Final answer:
The nurse should accurately assess a patient's respiratory rate, which is a vital sign of breathing effectiveness. The most accurate method is to count for a full 60 seconds, although in regular and consistent breathing patterns, a 15 or 30-second count could suffice as an estimate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessing Respiratory Rate
The rate at which a person breathes is the respiratory rate, and it is an important vital sign that reflects the patient's health status and oxygenation needs. For adults, a normal resting respiratory rate is typically between 12-15 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute, as noted in the question, can be considered on the low side of normal but can occur in certain health conditions or states of relaxation. It is essential for a nurse or healthcare professional to accurately assess respiratory rate to monitor for any potential complications.
When conducting the next assessment, the nurse should aim to be precise. The most accurate option would be to count the respirations for a full minute, as respiratory patterns can vary, especially if the patient is experiencing any abnormalities or if their breaths are shallow.
The options provided in the question for measuring respiratory rate are based on partial minute counts and the following answers are true for a normally breathing adult:
a) Count breaths for 10 seconds and multiply by 6: False
b) Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by 4: True
c) Count breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2: True
d) Count breaths for 60 seconds: True
The best practice, especially with a slightly abnormal respiratory rate, is to count for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy. However, if the respiratory rate is consistent and regular, a 30-second count doubled or a 15-second count multiplied by four can provide a quick estimate.