Final answer:
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute best supports the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance involves an obstruction or ineffective clearance of the airway, which can lead to impaired gas exchange and inadequate ventilation. In this case, the finding of a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute (br/min) best supports the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance.
A normal respiratory rate for adults is around 12-18 br/min. An increased respiratory rate of 28 br/min indicates that the body is trying to compensate for an inadequate airway clearance by increasing the amount of air exchange. This can be a sign of underlying conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia.
Additionally, an increased respiratory rate can lead to shallow breathing and decreased tidal volume per breath. Shallow breathing reduces the amount of air reaching the alveoli, leading to ineffective ventilation and impaired gas exchange.