Respiratory - Assessments Flashcards
What is the rationale for “Sitting the patient up to increase lung expansion”
In doing this we are increasing ventilation hence increasing gas exchange in the lungs.
What are the 7 things that we can clinically observe when thinking about a patient with a respiratory issue?
Respiratory rate Breath sounds Accessory muscles Positioning Neurological changes Skin Sputum
What are we observing in terms of the Respiratory rate when we are assessing a patient?
Tachypnoea/bradypnoea Orthopnoea Dyspnoea and Rhythm & Depth
What is Tachypnoea?
abnormally rapid breathing.
What is bradypnoea?
abnormally slow breathing.
What is orthopnoea?
Orthopnea is the sensation of breathlessness that affects a person when they are lying down and subsides in other positions, such as standing or sitting up.
What is Dyspnoea?
difficult or laboured breathing that is self reported by the patient
What types of breath sounds are we listening for during a respiratory assessment?
Wheeze Crackles Stidor (a harsh or grating sound) Reduced air entry Cough
What are the accessory muscles that we are observing during a respiratory assessment?
Sternocleidomastoid Scalenes Trapezius Pectoralis minor/major Abdominals
What 3 things are we assessing under “positioning” when doing a repiratory assessment?
Upright - What is the patient breathing like when they are sitting upright
Tripod - What is the patient breathing like in this position
Chest symmetry - Palpation of the chest expansion during breathing + general observations
We should also be observing which position are the patient is naturally resting in.
What are some neurological changes that we may observe in a patient with a respiratory problem?
Anxiety, agitation, confusion, drowsiness, and pain.
Why might a patient with respiratory distress be experiencing neurological issues?
Their may not be enough Oxygen going to the brain
What factors related to the skin are we assessing during a respiratory assessment?
Diaphoresis Pallor Cyanosis Flushing and Digital clubbing
If we notice cyanosis what is an important factor to assess?
Cyanosis is the blue tinging of the skin so assess capillary refill of peripherals.
What type of factors are we assessing when looking at sputum?
Colour, odour, and haemoptysis
What is the acronym we use to assess the 5 Signs of respiratory distress?
DiapHRaGM
Diap = Diaphoresis (clammy) H = Hypoxia Ra = Respiratory rate (above 24 is a strong clinical indication) G = Gasping (Where RR starts to drop) M = Accessory muscle use (are both sides of the chest moving equally?)
What are the 4 things we can clinically measure with a respiratory patient?
- Respiratory rate, depth and pattern
- Work of breathing (WOB)
- Peak flow measurement
- Specialist tests
What is a peak flow measurement test?
Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. Normal adult peak flow scores range between around 400 and 700 litres per minute
What can we use a peak flow measurement for?
as a baseline and to measure the effectiveness of interventions (useful for diagnosing asthma)