Assessment Steps - Thorax and Lungs

Question 1

Inspection

Answer 1

Thoracic cage - any deformity?
Respiratory rate and pattern - use accessory muscles?
Skin and nails
person's position
person's facial expression
level of consciousness

Question 2

Palpation

Answer 2

Confirm symmetrical chest expansion
tactile fremitus
skin temperature and moisture
detect any lumps, masses, tenderness
trachea

Question 3

Percussion

Answer 3

Determine percussion not that predominates over lung fields.

Diaphragmatic excursion

Question 4

Auscultation

Answer 4

Listen: posterior, lateral, anterior
Any abnormal breath sounds?
-bronchophony?
-pectoriloquy?
-egophony?
Any adventitious sounds?