A patient not on a legal psychiatric hold can be placed in an ER waiting room if their respiratory rate is between what range?

Master the SNHD Advanced EMT Protocols. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Be ready for the AEMT test!

The correct choice, which indicates a respiratory rate range of 10-20, is appropriate for a patient not on a legal psychiatric hold to be placed in an ER waiting room. This range reflects normal respiratory rates for adults, which typically fall between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Placing a patient with a respiratory rate within this range in the waiting room is deemed safe, as it suggests that their respiratory function is stable and they are not experiencing respiratory distress.

A respiratory rate below 10 can indicate significant respiratory depression, posing a risk for the patient that requires immediate medical attention and monitoring. Conversely, a rate exceeding 20 could suggest tachypnea or other underlying issues needing further evaluation. Therefore, the 10-20 range strikes a balance indicating an adequate respiratory effort while minimizing risk during a waiting period in the emergency department.

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