The nurse prepares to obtain pulse and respiratory rates. Which procedure best outlines the order in which the nurse will take these vital signs? Assess pulse rate by palpation for 1 full minute, auscultate respirations for 1 full minute. Assess pulse rate for 20 seconds followed by inspection of respirations for 20 seconds, with each value multiplied by 4 to calculate beats and breaths per minute. Assess radial pulse for 30 seconds, immediately followed by inspecting respirations for 30 seconds; if an abnormality is noted, both pulse and respiratory rates should be counted for 1 full minute. Auscultate the heart rate apically for 1 full minute, auscultate respiratory rate for 1 full minute.