Respiratory Rate Measurement:
Respiratory Rate Measurement: ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate and finds it to be 30 breaths per minute. What action should the nurse take?
Documenting the respiratory rate as normal would be inaccurate since it is above the normal range.
Initiating oxygen therapy is not the first-line intervention based solely on an increased respiratory rate but requires a comprehensive assessment of the client's respiratory status.
A respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute is above the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and may indicate tachypnea or increased work of breathing. The nurse should assess the client for signs of respiratory distress and investigate the underlying cause
Administering a sedative medication is not appropriate solely based on an increased respiratory rate without further assessment.
Answer: c. Assess the client for signs of respiratory distress.
Explanation: A respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute is above the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and may indicate tachypnea or increased work of breathing. The nurse should assess the client for signs of respiratory distress and investigate the underlying cause.
a. Documenting the respiratory rate as normal would be inaccurate since it is above the normal range.
b. Initiating oxygen therapy is not the first-line intervention based solely on an increased respiratory rate but requires a comprehensive assessment of the client's respiratory status.
d. Administering a sedative medication is not appropriate solely based on an increased respiratory rate without further assessment.