Which client requires nursing intervention based on vitals obtained by an assistive personnel?

• A. Adult male: respiratory rate 18/min
• B. 8-year-old male: respiratory rate 34/min, SaO2 97%
• C. Newborn: respiratory rate 40/min
• D. Adolescent female: respiratory rate 16/min

Answer: (B)

A pediatric client’s respiratory rate must be interpreted by age. For a school-age child, normal ventilation is typically lower than 34 breaths per minute; a rate around the mid-20s or higher can indicate the need to look for trouble. A respiratory rate of 34 in an 8-year-old is elevated and suggests the child may be developing respiratory distress or an underlying issue such as infection, asthma, or fever. Even with an oxygen saturation of 97%, the high rate shows the child is working harder to breathe, which warrants nursing assessment and possible intervention. The nurse should perform a focused reassessment, check for signs of work of breathing (nasal flaring, retractions, grunting), and monitor the child closely. If tachypnea persists or if additional distress signs appear, notify the healthcare provider and be prepared to intervene to support airway and oxygenation. The other clients have vitals within their age-appropriate normal ranges, so they do not require urgent intervention based on these numbers alone.