Which of the following should be a focus when checking respiration rates?

Observing chest rise and fall is a crucial aspect of checking respiration rates because it provides visible evidence of whether the person is breathing and how effectively they are doing so. This method allows the responder to assess not only the presence of breaths but also the quality of those breaths—whether they are regular, deep, shallow, or labored. Observing these physical signs helps in identifying any potential respiratory distress and informs subsequent first aid decisions.

While counting breaths for a limited time can provide a quick snapshot, it misses the qualitative aspects of respiration that chest rise and fall can reveal. Listening for wheezing can indicate certain respiratory issues but does not give a complete assessment of the respiratory rate itself. Checking heart rate relates to cardiovascular health rather than respiratory function and would not provide the necessary information needed to assess breathing.