Final answer:
To accurately count respirations in infants, observe the abdominal movements and count for a full minute due to their irregular breathing patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
When counting respirations in infants, observe the abdominal movements and count for a full minute because their movements are irregular. This method considers the fact that infants have a higher and more variable respiratory rate than older children and adults. An infant's normal respiratory rate is 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which can slow to 18 to 30 breaths per minute by around 10 years of age, reaching adult rates of 12 to 18 breaths per minute by adolescence.
Counting the breaths over a full minute provides a more accurate measure due to the variability and potential irregularity of an infant's breathing patterns. Certain criteria such as skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration are assessed in newborns to determine their health and adaptability to life outside the womb, known as the Apgar score.