Wash hands and ensure the person is resting quietly
Position the person comfortably and expose the chest or observe the abdomen
Count respirations when the person is unaware to avoid altering the breathing pattern
Watch one rise and fall of the chest as one respiration
Use a watch or clock with a second hand
Count the breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if the breathing is regular
Count for a full 60 seconds if the breathing is irregular, shallow, or unusually fast or slow
Record the respiratory rate in breaths per minute
Note the rhythm, depth, and any unusual breathing patterns
Report any abnormal findings according to procedure