Respiratory Rate Measurement:
Respiratory Rate Measurement: ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate and finds it to be 8 breaths per minute. What action should the nurse take?
Documenting the respiratory rate as normal would be inaccurate since it is below the normal range.
Initiating oxygen therapy is not the first-line intervention based solely on a low respiratory rate but requires a comprehensive assessment of the client's respiratory status.
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is below the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and may indicate respiratory depression or impairment. The nurse should assess the client for signs of respiratory distress and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Administering a bronchodilator medication is not appropriate solely based on a low respiratory rate without further assessment
Answer: c. Assess the client for signs of respiratory distress.
Explanation: A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is below the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and may indicate respiratory depression or impairment. The nurse should assess the client for signs of respiratory distress and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
a. Documenting the respiratory rate as normal would be inaccurate since it is below the normal range.
b. Initiating oxygen therapy is not the first-line intervention based solely on a low respiratory rate but requires a comprehensive assessment of the client's respiratory status.
d. Administering a bronchodilator medication is not appropriate solely based on a low respiratory rate without further assessment.