Formerly, Vital signs including respiratory rate are measured to monitor the body’s function at each given time consistently. However, Brodersen et al., (2015) highlighted that respiration is, in fact, the most expected vital sign to be missed out on assessing a patient. Yet, the assessment of the Respiratory rate (RR) is a vital element which is strongly linked with in-hospital mortality. There is evidence of a lack of certainty with the accurate reading of RR among clinical professionals since...
Formerly, Vital signs including respiratory rate are measured to monitor the body’s function at each given time consistently. However, Brodersen et al., (2015) highlighted that respiration is, in fact, the most expected vital sign to be missed out on assessing a patient. Yet, the assessment of the Respiratory rate (RR) is a vital element which is strongly linked with in-hospital mortality. There is evidence of a lack of certainty with the accurate reading of RR among clinical professionals since it is not read off a monitor, but counted manually. According to Cohen, Philip and Richardson, (2013) readings are being estimated, or even made-up, and not formally assessed using recommended methods. This inaccurate recording significantly delays the appropriate clinical care or even misguides treatment.
Nevertheless, performing this procedure correctly, allowed me to obtain the optimum respiratory reading, looking out for any abnormalities in the depth, rhythm, quality and effectiveness of the respiration. Conversely, if my patient were critically ill and showed an abnormally high or low respiratory reading, I would be aware, as this would result in a clinical emergency. The care plan for vital sign observations would be updated; vital sign observations such as respiration are recorded on a National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) Chart. This tool allows clinicians to identify any deterioration and allows a timely clinical response to abnormal findings through a scoring system. Abnormal findings of respiration weigh between abnormally high&21bpm (Tachypnea) or abnormally low.
