Understanding Respiration Rate: How to Measure Correctly

Respirations are not measured as if the pulse is being measured. Respirations are measured by counting the number of breaths a person takes in a minute. This can be done by observing the chest or abdomen rise and fall, or by feeling the person's breath on your cheek. The pulse is measured by counting the number of heartbeats per minute. This is done by feeling the pulse on the wrist, neck, or temple.