A client's vital signs 4 hours ago were temperature (oral)101.4°F (38.6°C),heart rate 110 beats/min,respiratory rate 26 breaths/min,and blood pressure 124/78 mm Hg.The temperature is now 99.4°F (37.4°C).Based only on the expected relationship between temperature and respiratory rate,the nurse might best anticipate the client's respiratory rate to be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For every degree Fahrenheit (0.6°C)the temperature falls,the respiratory rate may decrease up to four breaths per minute.The client's temperature has fallen 2 degrees; multiplied by 4,this is 8.It was 26 breaths/minute.26 minus 8 = 18 breaths/min.Keep in mind that this is an estimate and would vary depending on the patient's baseline health,current condition,age,and other factors.

A Client's Vital Signs 4 Hours Ago Were Temperature (Oral)101