Apical and Basal Chest Expansion Flashcards
What are you measuring and why?
a measure of the change in chest circumference between full inspiration and full expiration
explore causes for breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance and abnormal lung function
How to tell whether the measurement is normal?
compare to predicted normal values for adults/children
What principles are used in carrying out the technique?
suitable seating for patient with feet on floor (chair or plinth)
explain purpose of test and check contraindications
gain informed consent
gather patient details
wash hands
assess patient for adverse effects after
largest measure is documented
What structures/processes are being assessed?
mobility of rib cage, intercostal muscles, diaphragm, if the lungs are damaged.
Precautions and Contraindications?
vomiting, nausea, vertigo
unstable cardiac conditions
thoracic trauma
How to carry out apical measurement?
-place tape around chest wall in line with axilla, ensure tape is not twisted and in line.
-place visible mark to indicate tape position.
-ask patient to breathe out and take measurement on full expiration.
-hold tape in position, ask model to breathe in as much as they can to full inspiration.
-calculate difference.
-repeat this 2 more times and use the largest measurement.
How to carry out basal measurement?
place tape around chest wall in line with xiphoid process of sternum, ensure tape is not twisted
place visible mark to indicate position
ask patient to breathe out and take measurement on full expiration
hold tape in position, ask pt to breathe in as much as they can to full inspiration
take measurement at full inspiration
calculate the difference
repeat stages until you have 3 measurements
What is the difference between apical and basal chest expansion?
the difference is in the specific regions they measure
apical measures higher up that basal
