Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

If a technician is having trouble visualizing the patient's chest movement, what should they do to accurately count respirations?

1. Ask the patient to breathe deeper

2. Place a hand on the middle of the patient's back to count the respirations

3. Count the rise and fall of the abdomen

4. Use a digital respiratory monitor

The correct answer is: Place a hand on the middle of the patient's back to count the respirations

The most effective method to accurately count respirations when visualization of the patient's chest movement is difficult is to place a hand on the middle of the patient's back. This technique allows the technician to feel the movements associated with respiration directly. By detecting the rise and fall of the back, the technician can accurately count the respiratory cycles without needing visual confirmation from the chest. Using a hand on the back ensures that the technician can monitor the patient's breathing without disturbing them or influencing their natural breathing pattern. This tactile approach is particularly valuable in situations where the patient's clothing or positioning obstructs the view, or if the patient is unable to cooperate verbally. Other methods, while they may also yield results, might not be as effective or feasible depending on the patient's condition or environment. For example, asking the patient to breathe deeper can alter their normal breathing pattern and does not provide a true representation of their baseline respiratory rate. Counting the rise and fall of the abdomen could potentially capture breathing but might not provide accurate results in individuals who primarily use their chest for respiration. Using a digital respiratory monitor is an option but may not always be available in every setting and could also introduce delays in obtaining an immediate assessment.