Checking Respirations

Important Information

Look for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, including wheezing, gurgling or high-pitched noises when the patient breathes

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Check whether the patient complains of shortness of breath or feeling dizzy or lightheaded

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Does the patient complain of pain in the chest and numbness or tingling in arms or legs

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Checking Respiration

Learn how to determine and check a person's normal respiration rate. Respirations could be described as fast, slow, labored, wheezing or gasping. Determine whether respirations may be described as fast, slow, labored, wheezing or gasping.

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To count the number of times a patient breathes, use one of two methods:

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• First method: Simply watch patient’s chest rise and fall and count respirations.

• Second method: If you cannot see the patient’s chest rise and fall, place a hand on the patient’s abdomen.

• This position allows you to mask your efforts to obtain a count of the patient’s respirations. Patients often alter their breathing rate if they become aware their breaths are being counted.

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