How to Monitor Human Respiration

The respiration rate indicates the functioning of the human lungs and respiratory system. In addition, the use of the respiration rate assists in determining the ability of an individual to deliver both oxygen and oxygenated nutrients to the organs of the body via blood circulation. The determination of the respiratory rate begins with use of a timepiece and the positioning of the patient. In addition, medical professionals and others must ensure that the determination of the rate remains free from obstacles such as objects in the mouth or patient movement.

Things You'll Need

• Clock, stopwatch or wristwatch
• Pen
• Writing paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Secure a clock or watch. To determine the rate of human respiration, use a clock or watch to generate a respiration count. In addition, ensure that the timepiece clearly displays the time elapsed in seconds. The respiration rate will be determined by measuring the number of inhalations over either a 15- or 60-second period.

• 2

  Position the patient. Ask the patient to stand, sit or lie down for at least one minute before determining the respiration rate. In addition, ensure that the patient engages in no strenuous physical activity prior to determining the respiration rate. Ask the patient to remove any item contained in the mouth or nasal cavity. Also determine whether the patient suffers from a respiratory ailment such as emphysema or asthma.

• 3

  Determine the respiratory rate. Instruct the patient to neither talk nor chew. Then count the number of times the patient's chest rises during a time period of either 15 seconds or one minute, using the clock or watch. Record the final respiratory rate after the specified time period elapses.