Measuring Respirations CNA skills checklist

Perform hand hygiene

Critical step

Do not inform resident you are counting respirations (to prevent altered breathing pattern)

Critical step

Count respirations immediately after taking pulse while still holding wrist

Observe chest rise and fall - one rise and fall equals one respiration

Critical step

Count respirations for one full minute using a watch with second hand

Critical step

Note depth of breathing (shallow, normal, deep)

Note pattern of breathing (regular or irregular)

Observe for any signs of respiratory distress (labored breathing, use of accessory muscles)

Record respiratory rate accurately within plus or minus 2 breaths of evaluator's count

Critical step

Report any abnormal findings to nurse (rate below 12 or above 20, irregular pattern, signs of distress)

Perform hand hygiene

Critical step