Respiratory Examination Flashcards
What exposure is required for a respiratory examination?
From the pubic symphisis upwards
What position is required for a respiratory examination?
Supine position with the upper body elevated 45 degrees + Sitting position
What are the potential signs of respiratory distress on general inspection from the end of the bed (8)?
- Tachypnoea
- Cough
- Cyanosis
- Use of accessory muscles
- Audible wheeze
- Nasal flaring
- Sweating
- Tripod
How is the trachea assessed?
- The trachea should be located equidistant between the clavicular heads as it is a midline structure
- Tracheal deviation arises due to unequal intrathoracic pressure
What is the clinical significance tracheal deviation away from the side of a lesion (3)?
- Extensive pleural effusion
- Tension pneumothorax
- Chest expansion
What is the clinical significance tracheal deviation towards the side of a lesion (3)?
- Upper lobe collapse
- Upper lobe fibrosis
- Pneumonectomy
How is chest expansion assessed?
- Normal chest expansion should be 4-5 cm and symmetrical
- Expansion should take off at the same time bilaterally
What is the clinical significance of unilateral decrease in chest expansion (4)?
- Pneumothorax
- Pleural effusion
- Collapsed lung
- Consolidation
What is the clinical significance of symmetrical decrease in chest expansion (4)?
- Asthma
- COPD
- Fibrosis
- Rib Fracture
How are the lungs percussed?
What is the clinical significance of hyper-resonant percussion (4)?
- Pneumothorax
- Hollow bowels
- COPD
- Acute Asthma
What is the clinical significance of hypo-resonant percussion (5)?
- Bone
- Tumour
- Consolidation
- Collapse
- Normal liver
What is the clinical significance of stoney dull percussion (2)?
- Pleural effusion
- Haemothorax
How are the lungs auscultated?
What is the clinical significance of bronchial breath sounds (4)?
- Consolidation
- Pleural effusion
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Collapsed lung