A conscious patient's respiratory rate should be measured:

Measuring a conscious patient's respiratory rate for a minimum of 30 seconds allows for a more accurate assessment of their breathing pattern. This duration helps to account for any irregularities in their respiratory rhythm and provides a more stable average. In practice, counting the number of breaths for a shorter duration, such as 10 seconds, might yield a less reliable rate due to the potential for random fluctuations in breathing, especially if the patient is anxious or in a fluctuating condition. By extending the measurement to at least 30 seconds, healthcare providers can obtain a clearer picture of the patient's respiratory status and make more informed clinical decisions based on the data collected. This method assures that the readings reflect the patient's normal respiratory activity rather than temporary changes.