Respiratory rate 1: why measurement and recording are crucial

Kelly, Carol

Carol Kelly is head of department, applied health and social care, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University and chair of the Respiratory Nurse Research Consortium, a sub-committee of the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists.

Nursing Times 114(4):p 23-24, April 2018.

Abstract

Respiratory rate is a vital sign but it is frequently omitted, inaccurately measured and not recorded. This article, the first in a six-part series on respiratory rate, explores the importance of respiratory monitoring in acute care. The article also explains why nurses need education, skills and knowledge to assess this neglected vital sign.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

Why respiratory rate is a vital sign
The reasons why nurses fail to measure respiratory rate accurately
Negative patient outcomes from failure to identify and record changes in respiratory rate