When assessing respiratory rate, what is considered best practice?

The choice of observing the patient's chest rise and fall discreetly is consistent with best practices in assessing respiratory rate because it allows for an accurate measurement of the patient's natural breathing pattern. When patients are aware that their respiratory rate is being assessed, it can lead to altered breathing patterns, such as nervousness or self-consciousness, which may not reflect their true respiratory state. Discreetly observing allows the healthcare provider to obtain a reliable count of the breaths taken per minute without causing the patient to change their behavior.

This method helps ensure that the assessment reflects the patient's normal respiratory function, which is crucial for effective clinical evaluation and treatment planning. It promotes a more relaxed environment for the patient, thus enhancing the accuracy of vital signs obtained.