Assessing Breathing Patterns

Question 1

Assessing breathing patterns

Answer 1

1. Apical vs diaphragmatic
2. Rib/ chest expansion
3. Tactile fremitus

Question 2

1. Apical vs diaphragmatic

Answer 2

Place one hand on their upper chest and one on their stomach
Feel which hand they’re breathing through
Normal tidal breathing

Question 3

2. Rib/ chest expansion

Answer 3

Place both hands around their ribs
Feel for the expansion
Is it equal?
Normal tidal breathing
Ask them to take a deep breath in and out

Question 4

3. Tactile fremitus

Answer 4

Place the back of your hands on their upper chest
Feel for vibrations or bubbling of the mucus in their lungs