A patient’s respiratory rate changes from 16 regular breaths per minute to 25 shallow breaths per minute over three hours. Oxygen saturation remains 97% on room air. Which action is most appropriate?
Correct answer: B. Reassess the patient and report the concerning trend
- A. Wait until oxygen saturation falls before taking action
- B. Reassess the patient and report the concerning trend
- C. Record the new rate as expected after routine activity
- D. Ask the patient to hold the breath during reassessment
Explanation
A rising respiratory rate and increasingly shallow breathing may be an early sign of deterioration, even when oxygen saturation is still normal. The nurse should reassess breathing effort and other vital signs, then report the significant trend according to clinical urgency.
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About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
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