Exam 1 - Thorax and Lungs Physical Exam Flashcards
2nd intercostal space
Needle insertion/ decompression of tension PTX
4th intercostal space
Chest tube insertion
When you document your findings in thorax, how are they described? What two dimensions?
The vertical axis and circumferentially.
To denote vertical locations, count the ribs and interspaces; sternal angle is the best guide!
To denote findings around the circumference of the thorax, imagine a series of vertical lines. Name them!
ANTERIOR VIEW: Midsternal line, midclavicular line, anterior axillary line
LATERAL VIEW: Anterior axillary line, medial axillary line, posterior axillary line
POSTERIOR VIEW: Vertebral line in middle and scapular line in the middle of the scapula.
How is the left lung divided?
The left lung is divided into upper and lower lobes
How is the right lung divided?
The right lung is divided into upper, middle, and lower lobes
What is the oblique or major lung fissure?
Each lung is divided roughly in half by an oblique (major) fissure
What is a minor lung fissure?
The right lung is further divided by the horizontal (minor) fissure; only present in right lung! Bc right lung has three lobes
Where does the trachea branch?
The trachea bifurcates at sternal notch (anteriorly), and T4 (posteriorly).
Supraclavicular
Above the clavicles
Infraclavicular
Below the clavicles
Interscapular
Between the scapulae
Infrascapular
Below the scapulae
Bases of the lungs
The inferior-most portions
Apices of the lungs
The superior-most portions
Common Complaints of Thorax/Lungs
Chest pain Shortness of breath Wheezing Cough Blood-streaked sputum
When a patient has chest pain, it is EXTREMELY important that you:
Ask the patient to point to the location of the pain
Attempt to elicit all seven attributes of the patient’s symptom
Chest pain is complicated because:
Aside from lung conditions, chest pain may arise from cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or skin pathology; it is also commonly associated with anxiety!
Other surrounding structures may also irritate the parietal pleura, causing pain.
**Difficult to find source?
How to ask about Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)?
How do you determine severity?
Dyspnea is not painful, but an uncomfortable awareness of breathing that is inappropriate to the level of exertion.
Begin assessment with a broad question, such as, “Have you had any difficulty breathing?”
Determine the severity of dyspnea based on the patient’s daily activities = dyspnea on exertion.
What is wheezing?
Wheezes are musical respiratory sounds that may be audible to the patient and to others
What do you ask when your patient has a cough?
- Ask whether the cough is dry or produces sputum, or phlegm
- Ask the patient to describe the volume of any sputum and its color, odor, and consistency
What is a cough?
Cough is typically a reflex response to stimuli that irritate receptors in the larynx, trachea, or large bronchi; it may sometimes be cardiovascular in origin.
What is Hemoptysis?
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood from the lungs; it may vary from blood-streaked phlegm to frank blood
What do you ask when a patient has hemoptysis?
Ask the patient to describe the volume of blood produced as well as other sputum attributes
Try to confirm the source of the bleeding by history and examination before using the term “hemoptysis”; blood may also originate from the mouth, pharynx, or gastrointestinal tract