Respiratory examination:
In response to respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, a cough, or chest pain, a respiratory examination, also known as a lung examination, is carried out as part of a physical examination.
Inspection:
The level of consciousness, breathing pattern, exertion, skin tone, chest configuration, and symmetry of expansion are all examined during a focused respiratory evaluation.
Percussion:
An advanced respiratory examination method called percussion is used to collect more information about the underlying lung tissue. It is possible to hear whether there is fluid in the lung fields by tapping the fingers of one hand over the fingers of the other hand. High-density regions, such as those with pneumonia or atelectasis, produce dull noises, whereas healthy lung tissue produces clear, low-pitched, hollow sounds. -The use of percussion can reveal additional respiratory status data. Use the middle or index finger of your dominant hand to tap the areas between each rib through the chest or back. Keep your other fingers away from the skin to prevent vibrations from interfering with the assessment Respiratory Assessment Assignment Discussion Paper
Auscultation: Listen to the passage of air through the airways during inspiration and expiration using the stethoscope's diaphragm. Tell the patient to take several long, deep breaths. While you breathe in and out, pay attention throughout the full respiratory cycle as different noises may be heard. Because the size of the airways varies as you walk across the various lung fields, the sounds made by the airflow vary according to the region you are auscultating.
*Hearing the sounds of the patient breathing provides critical information about the patient's general health. Focus on the sides, back, and chest for any indications of noisy or difficult breathing.
Atypical breathing symptoms include: -Crackling, bursting, or bubbling noises could be signs of pulmonary edoema or pneumonia. -Symptoms of lung illness, asthma, allergies, or an infection include wheezing. -Pleural friction. This grumbling sound, which is caused by the rubbing of the pleural surfaces, indicates pneumonia.
Palpation: To look for areas of irregularity connected to an injury or procedural difficulties, the chest may be palpated. - For instance, if a patient has a chest tube or recently had one removed, the nurse may palpate close to the location where the tube was inserted to check for any crepitus or air leaks. When the skin is touched, there is a popping or cracking feeling known as crepitus, which is an indication that air is trapped beneath the subcutaneous tissues. Use gentle pressure with the fingertips to feel the anterior and posterior chest walls when palpating the chest. To particularly check for growths, lumps, crepitus, discomfort, or tenderness, the chest may be palpated.
-By placing your hands on the front or posterior chest at the same level and placing your thumbs over the sternum anteriorly or the spine posteriorly, you may verify symmetric chest expansion. Your thumbs should proportionately move apart as the patient inhales. Pneumonia, thoracic trauma, such as broken ribs, and pneumothorax can all cause unequal expansion.
2.Subjective data to know: Any present or previous history of respiratory infections, disorders, or drugs, as well as any reported symptoms. When collecting subjective data, take into account the patient's age, gender, family history, race, culture, environmental factors, and current health practises
3.The questions about the patient's medical history you ask are: 1.Have you ever had a diagnosis of a respiratory disease such allergies, asthma, COPD, or pneumonia? 2.Do you use a peak flow metre or oxygen? 3.Do you utilise nebulizer devices? 4.Do you now take any drugs, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements for respiratory problems? 5.Do you smoke? How many pack per day you smoke? 6.Do you bring up anything when you cough? What colour is the mucus? 7.When did the breathing problems start? Is the shortness of breath coupled with chest pain or discomfort? How long does the breathing difficulty last? What causes the breathing difficulty to disappear? Is the breathlessness connected to a certain position, such as resting down? Do you prefer to sleep upright in bed or in a chair? Respiratory Assessment Assignment Discussion Paper