When counting and recording a resident's respiration, which step is performed last?

• A. Relax
• B. Record after +/- 2 breaths
• C. Wash hands
• D. Drape client appropriately

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that you document the observation after you have completed the counting. When counting respirations, you observe the chest rise and fall for a full minute to get an accurate rate. Only after finishing that minute should you record the respiratory rate. The other steps—hand washing and ensuring privacy with draping—are done before you start the measurement, and you aim to have the resident comfortable, but the act that comes last is recording the result. In practice, you record the rate once you’ve counted for the full minute, allowing a small margin for minor counting variation (about two breaths) as you finalize the entry.