An appropriate method of assessing a patient's respirations is for the nurse to:

A) place the bed flat.
B) remove all supplemental oxygen sources from documentation.
C) explain to the patient that respirations are being assessed.
D) gently place the patient's hand in a relaxed position over the upper abdomen.

Place the patient's arm in a relaxed position across the abdomen or lower chest,or place the nurse's hand directly over the patient's upper abdomen.Be sure the patient is in a comfortable position,preferably sitting or lying with the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60 degrees.Sitting erect promotes full ventilatory movement.A position of discomfort may cause the patient to breathe more rapidly.Documentation should include any supplemental oxygen that the patient is receiving.Inconspicuous assessment of respirations immediately after pulse assessment prevents the patient from consciously or unintentionally altering the rate and depth of breathing.