What is the recommended way to assess a patient's respirations?

The recommended way to assess a patient's respirations is to do so at the same time as taking their pulse. This approach is beneficial because it allows the healthcare provider to observe the patient's respiratory rate and quality without drawing attention to the fact that they are being assessed. When a patient is aware that their respirations are being counted, they may alter their breathing pattern, leading to an inaccurate assessment.

Taking the pulse and counting respirations simultaneously is a common practice in clinical settings, as it is an efficient use of time and offers a more accurate representation of the patient's true respiratory status. Proper technique for counting respirations includes doing so discreetly after checking the pulse to minimize any potential anxiety or changes in the patient's breathing.

Other methods of assessing respiration, such as informing the patient beforehand or only assessing them while they sleep, may not yield the most reliable results and do not take advantage of the opportunity to evaluate respiratory function in a natural, unaltered state. Elevating the patient's head can sometimes aid in better breathing, but it is not a standard means of assessment in routine practice.