A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel to measure a newborn's respiratory rate. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of why the respiratory rate should be counted for a complete minute?

A. "Newborns do not expand their lungs fully with each respiration." While newborns have smaller lung capacity and immature respiratory mechanics, this does not directly explain why the respiratory rate must be counted for a full minute. B. "Newborns are abdominal breathers." Abdominal breathing is common in newborns due to diaphragmatic dominance, but this characteristic does not necessitate counting respiratory rate for a full minute. It affects observation location more than timing. C. "Activity will increase the respiratory rate." Activity level can cause fluctuations in respiratory rate, but the need to count for a full minute is primarily related to irregular rhythm, not just activity changes. Activity effects are an additional consideration but not the main reason. D. "The rate and rhythm of breath are irregular in newborns." Newborns commonly have irregular breathing patterns, including variable rate and pauses (periodic breathing), which requires a full minute count to accurately assess their true respiratory rate and avoid misinterpretation.