Which of the following is an appropriate method to assess respiratory effort?

Monitoring chest rise and fall is a direct and effective method to assess a patient's respiratory effort. This technique allows for visual confirmation of whether the patient is making adequate respiratory movements, which is fundamental in evaluating their ability to ventilate effectively. Observing the symmetry and depth of chest movements can give immediate insights into respiratory function, indicating whether the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, taking shallow breaths, or using accessory muscles for breathing.

In contrast, counting heartbeats primarily assesses cardiovascular function rather than respiratory effort, while observing skin color can indicate oxygenation but does not give specific information about the mechanics of breathing. Listening for wheezes may help determine if there are obstructive processes occurring but does not provide a complete picture of how well a patient is able to breathe. Therefore, monitoring chest rise and fall remains the most direct and comprehensive method for assessing respiratory effort.