Respiratory Examination

Question 1

What order should be followed for a Respiratory Examination?

Answer 1

Inspection - Palpation - Percussion - Auscultation

Question 2

Respiratory Inspection

Answer 2

Hands
Clubbing
Tremor
Pulse
Respiratory Rate
Offer Blood Pressure
Raised JVP
Palpate Cervical Nodes
Eyes
Chest

Question 3

Respiratory Palpation

Answer 3

Trachea
Apex Beat
Chest Expansion
Tactile Vocal Fremitus

Question 4

Respiratory Percussion

Answer 4

Percuss anteriorly from side to side starting at the apices.

Question 5

Respiratory Auscultation

Answer 5

Starting at the apices, auscultate anteriorly and axillary.
Assess vocal resonance and say “ninety-nine”
If Consolidation is suspected assess by asking the patient to whisper “two, two two”.

Question 6

What is important to not forget in a respiratory exam?

Answer 6

DO NOT FORGET TO EXAMINE EVERYTHING ON THE BACK.

Question 7

Concluding a Respiratory Exam

Answer 7

Palpate Ankles for Oedema
Check Sputum Pot
State you would perform Peak Flow