History of hypertension, slow or rapid pulse, and current medications should always be obtained. Of these, axillary is the least and rectal is the most accurate. Respiration Best done immediately after taking the patient's pulse. Do not announce that you are measuring respirations. Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply this number by 4 to yield the breaths per minute.
Rapid respiration is called tachypnea.
Pulse Sit or stand facing your patient. There is no reason for the patient's arm to be in an awkward position, just imagine you're shaking hands. Compress the radial artery with your index and middle fingers. Count for a full minute if the pulse is irregular. Tachycardia and bradycardia are not necessarily abnormal.