Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Clinical Workflow and Patient IntakeMedium
A medical assistant is counting a patient's respiratory rate. To obtain the most accurate count, the medical assistant should:
- ACount respirations immediately after taking the patient's blood pressure while still holding the wrist
- BCount respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 2
- CInform the patient that their breathing is being counted so they can relax
- DAsk the patient to breathe deeply and count each breath aloud
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Count respirations immediately after taking the patient's blood pressure while still holding the wrist
Patients often unconsciously alter their breathing pattern when they know they are being observed. Counting respirations discreetly, such as while still appearing to check the pulse, yields a more accurate rate. Respirations should also be counted for a full 30-60 seconds, not just 15 seconds multiplied.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Counting for only 15 seconds and multiplying by 2 is less accurate than counting for 30-60 seconds, especially with irregular patterns.
- C. Telling the patient causes them to alter their breathing consciously.
- D. Asking the patient to breathe deeply alters their natural breathing pattern.
Respiratory Rate Counting Technique
Respirations should be counted discreetly, often immediately after pulse assessment while still touching the wrist, to prevent the patient from consciously altering their breathing.
- Patients alter breathing if aware it's being counted
- Count for a full 30-60 seconds for accuracy
- Observe rate, rhythm, and depth
Memory trick: Stay sneaky like a spy—keep holding the wrist so the patient doesn't know you're watching their breath.