A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate. Which technique should the nurse use to accurately measure the respiratory rate?

Answer: a. On the client's finger

Explanation: The pulse oximeter sensor is typically placed on the client's finger to accurately measure the respiratory rate. The sensor detects changes in blood volume and oxygen saturation, which correlate with respiratory cycles.

b. Placing the pulse oximeter sensor on the client's forehead is not the standard practice for measuring the respiratory rate.

c. Placing the pulse oximeter sensor on the client's chest is not necessary for measuring the respiratory rate as it primarily assesses oxygen saturation.

d. Placing the pulse oximeter sensor on the client's earlobe is not the standard practice for measuring the respiratory rate.

Answer: a. Visual observation of chest movements

Explanation: The nurse should visually observe the client's chest movements to accurately measure the respiratory rate. This involves counting the number of complete inhalations and exhalations within a minute.

b. Auscultation of breath sounds is used to assess the quality of breath sounds but does not provide an accurate measurement of the respiratory rate.

c. Palpation of the client's abdomen is not the primary method for measuring the respiratory rate.

d. Using a respiratory rate monitor may provide an objective measurement, but visual observation is the most common and readily available technique.