Respiratory Rate Measurement:

Respiratory Rate Measurement: ( 5 Questions)

A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate and finds it to be irregular, with periods of deep breaths alternating with shallow breaths. What action should the nurse take?



Correct Answer: D

Answer: d. Notify the healthcare provider of the irregular breathing pattern. 

Explanation: An irregular breathing pattern with alternating periods of deep and shallow breaths may indicate a respiratory disorder or impairment. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. 

a. Documenting the irregular breathing pattern as a normal variation would be inappropriate since it may indicate an underlying respiratory issue. 

b. Reassessing the respiratory rate after 30 minutes may delay appropriate intervention if there is an underlying respiratory problem. 

c. Initiating oxygen therapy is not the first-line intervention based solely on an irregular breathing pattern but requires further assessment and evaluation.




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