Respiratory assessment Flashcards
1
Q
History
A
- Do you have a cough?
- Ever had any shortness of breathe or difficulty breathing?
- Any chest pain while breathing?
- Any past history of breathing trouble or lung disease such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Any environmental conditions that may affect your breathing? Do you work at a factory, chemical plant, coal mine or farm? Do you do anything to protect your lungs such as wearing a mask?
- When was your most recent tuberculosis skin test, pneumonia immunization and influenza immunization?
2
Q
Inspection of the back
A
- the spinous process appears in a straight line. the thorax is symmetrical in elliptical shape with downward slopping ribs, angled at approx 45 degree in relaxation to the spine
- anteroposterior diameter is less than the transverse diameter, ratio is 1:2
- neck and trapezius muscles have developed normally for age
- spinal position is straight and aligned and mimi is comfortable in a relaxed position
- skin colour is appropriate for genetic background and there is no cyanosis or pallor present and no signs of lesions.
3
Q
palpate the back
A
symmetry expansion - thumbs at T9 and T10 , pinch small fold of skin and get patient to take a deep breathe
Tactile fremitus - 10 spots get patient to say 99
4
Q
Auscultate
A
18 sites on the back
5
Q
inspect the front
A
- the ribs are slopping downwards with symmetrical interspaces. The costal angel is within 90 degrees
- facial expression is relaxed, indicating breathing effortlessly
- patient is alert and cooperative
- skin is cyanosis free and there is no pallor, nails are of normal configuration
- respirations are normal and effortless
- accessory muscles are not being used
- no signs of clubbing
6
Q
palpate the front
A
symmetry expansion tactile fremitus palpate the check wall to note tenderness or any lumps skin turgor temperature and moisture
7
Q
auscultate front
A
10 sites
