You are evaluating a new patient who had a stroke 6 days ago. Which of the following is the best method for assessing this patient's respiration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counting the rise and fall of the chest for 30 seconds while the patient is unaware is the best method for assessing respiration in this patient. This method allows you to accurately observe the depth and rate of the patient's breathing without the potential influence of conscious effort or anxiety that may occur when the patient is asked to refrain from talking or when respiration is assessed during conversation. Checking nursing records may not provide up-to-date information and asking the patient to refrain from talking may not accurately reflect their baseline respiration rate.

You Are Evaluating a New Patient Who Had a Stroke