Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

What constitutes one complete respiration as counted by a Nurse Aid?

1. One inhalation and one exhalation

2. One inhalation only

3. One exhalation only

4. Two inhalations and one exhalation

The correct answer is: One inhalation and one exhalation

One complete respiration is defined as one inhalation and one exhalation. This process captures the full cycle of breathing, encompassing the intake of air into the lungs (inhalation) and the subsequent expulsion of air (exhalation). By counting both movements together, one can accurately measure the activity of the respiratory system. Understanding this concept is crucial for nursing assistants, as monitoring respiratory rates can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status. It's important to differentiate between the complete cycle and the individual components of breathing, as some conditions may affect either the inhalation or exhalation independently. Counting both phases is fundamental in offering a comprehensive assessment of a person's respiratory function.