A nurse notes a 12-month-old infant has a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute. What action is most appropriate?

A nurse notes a 12-month-old infant has a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute. What action is most appropriate?

• A. Assess for fever
• B. Document the findings
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Notify the physician

Answer: (B)

Interpreting age-appropriate vital signs to guide action. For a 12-month-old, a respiratory rate around 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range and there are no signs of respiratory distress described. Therefore the most appropriate action is to document the finding and continue routine monitoring. Oxygen administration or notifying the physician would be warranted only if there were signs of distress or the rate was clearly outside the expected range.

Interpreting age-appropriate vital signs to guide action. For a 12-month-old, a respiratory rate around 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range and there are no signs of respiratory distress described. Therefore the most appropriate action is to document the finding and continue routine monitoring. Oxygen administration or notifying the physician would be warranted only if there were signs of distress or the rate was clearly outside the expected range.