Respiratory Examination Flashcards
Respiratory Examination
Why is it important to introduce yourself and check the patient’s identity before starting the respiratory examination?
Establishing rapport and confirming identity ensure patient trust and safety during the procedure.
Respiratory Examination
What should you explain to the patient during the introduction, and why is obtaining informed consent necessary?
Explain the procedure and obtain informed consent to respect the patient’s autonomy and ensure they are aware of the examination.
Respiratory Examination
Why is general inspection considered an essential component of all systems examinations, including respiratory?
General inspection can provide valuable clues about the patient’s overall condition and may lead to diagnosis without physical contact.
Respiratory Examination
What are the key elements to observe during general inspection from the end of the bed in the respiratory examination?
Look for patient alertness, comfort, skin color (cyanosis), signs of breathlessness, posture, and the presence of accessories like oxygen, medications, and walking aids.
Respiratory Examination
Why do we start the peripheral examination with the hands, and what signs are we looking for?
Starting with the hands allows for the observation of clubbing, tar staining, peripheral cyanosis, small muscle wasting, tremors, and asterixis.
Respiratory Examination
What is the significance of assessing the heart rate and respiratory rate during the peripheral examination?
Assessing heart rate and respiratory rate provides information about the patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory status.
Respiratory Examination
What are the steps involved in the inspection of the anterior and lateral chest during the respiratory examination?
Look for scars, chest wall movement, deformities, and other abnormalities. Palpate for expansion, check tactile vocal fremitus, percussion, and auscultate.
Respiratory Examination
Why is it recommended to complete the IPPA for one side of the chest before moving to the other side?
Completing IPPA for one side first minimizes patient discomfort, and the posterior chest often provides more information.
Respiratory Examination
Why do we perform a cervical lymph node examination and inspection/palpation of lower limbs to conclude the respiratory examination?
To assess for abnormalities such as lymph node enlargement and signs of deep vein thrombosis or pitting edema.
Respiratory Examination
How would you explain the next steps to the patient or summarize findings to the supervisor at the end of the examination?
Provide clear information on the next steps, such as reporting findings to the supervisor or the doctor, ensuring patient understanding.
Respiratory Examination
What is the standard order of approach for the central examination, and what components does it involve?
The standard order is Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation (IPPA). Components include looking for scars, chest wall movement, deformities, expansion, tactile vocal fremitus, and auscultating for breath sounds.
Respiratory Examination
What aspects are assessed during the Posterior Chest Examination, and what is the order of assessment?
Assess scars, kyphosis, expansion (bucket-handle movement), tactile vocal fremitus, and auscultate for breath sounds. The order is Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation (IPPA).
Respiratory Examination
: What steps should be taken to conclude the respiratory examination, and why is it important to thank the patient?
Conclude by thanking the patient, ensuring comfort, washing hands, explaining the next steps to the patient, and summarizing findings to the supervisor if applicable.
Respiratory Examination
How would you explain the next steps to the patient or summarize findings to the supervisor at the end of the examination?
Provide clear information on the next steps, such as reporting findings to the supervisor or the doctor, ensuring patient understanding.
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Peripheral Cyanosis
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Tar Staining
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Clubbing
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Palmar Palor
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Small Muscle wasting
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Conjunctival Palor
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Central Cyanosis
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Prominent Chest Wall veins
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Pitting Oedema
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Horners Syndrome (left eye)
Respiratory Exam
Identify
Inspection
Small Muscle wasting
