Posterior Chest Assessment (MN) Flashcards
where are the CO2 receptors locates?
In the medulla oblongata, aorta and common carotid arteries.
During inhalation what happens?
The diaphragm presses the abdominal organs downward and forward
During exhalation what happens?
The diaphragm rises and recoils to the resting position.
When would we preform a posterior chest assessment?
When we observe abnormalities or difficulty breathing
What do we do before beginning a posterior chest assessment?
Explain procedure
Gain consent
Attend to privacy
Gather equipment
What are we inspecting during the posterior chest assessment?
Position of scapulae Shape and configuration of chest wall Scoliosis? Spinal configurations? Use of accessory muscles (Trapezius or shoulder muscles) Note if Tripod position is being used Thorax symmetrical Ribs sloping downward Anterior to posterior should be smaller than transverse Skin colour and condition
Where do we place our hands during palpation (posterior chest assessment)?
T9/T10
How to preform palpation of the posterior chest wall?
Place hands at T9/T10, slide hands medially to tent up small fold of skin between thumbs. Ask the patient to take a deep breath in and note symmetric chest expansion as thumbs move apart (note any lag). Ask the patient if they want to know their findings
Where should we hear resonance on the posterior chest wall (percussion)?
Over healthy lung.
Where should we hear dullness on the posterior chest wall (percussion)?
Over the liver/organs.
During auscultation what are the three types of normal breath sounds?
Bronchial, bronchovesicular, and vesicular
Bronchial is only heard on anterior chest assessment
Where would we expect to hear bronchovesicular sounds?
Along the upper spine
Where would we expect to hear vesicular sounds?
Around the lung fields (not near the upper spine)
What technique do we use for auscultation
Side to side down the posterior chest (refer to picture on MN notes if needed)
What are adventitious sounds?
Adnormal breath sounds (crackles and wheeze)
