Respiratory assessment Flashcards
(34 cards)
What does poor eye contact in a patient potentially indicate during a respiratory assessment?
Anxiety, fatigue, reduced consciousness, or distress.
What does central or peripheral cyanosis suggest?
Hypoxaemia – central cyanosis affects lips/tongue; peripheral affects fingers/toes.
What does use of accessory muscles or intercostal recession indicate?
Increased work of breathing, often seen in respiratory distress.
Why is it significant if a patient cannot speak in full sentences?
It suggests severe breathlessness and possible respiratory failure.
What are some environmental clues to assess during a respiratory assessment?
Temperature, presence of home oxygen, signs of overdose, cigarettes, alcohol, medications, and odours.
What does cyanosis in the hands indicate?
Possible underlying hypoxaemia.
What conditions are associated with finger clubbing?
Lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis.
What does tar staining on fingers suggest?
Long-term smoking – a risk factor for COPD and lung cancer.
What is asterixis (flapping tremor) and what can it indicate?
A sign of CO2 retention, often seen in ventilatory failure.
What does pallor in palmar creases suggest?
Anaemia, which may contribute to breathlessness.
What does a fine tremor in outstretched hands suggest
Beta-2-agonist use (e.g., salbutamol).
What skin changes are linked with long-term steroid use?
Bruising and thinning.
Why assess joints during a respiratory assessment?
Swelling or deformity may point to rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect the lungs
What does conjunctival pallor indicate?
Anaemia, potentially contributing to breathlessness.
What is central cyanosis and what causes it?
Bluish lips/tongue due to hypoxaemia.
What does a deviated trachea suggest?
Unequal intrathoracic pressure; possible pneumothorax, effusion, or mass.
Why assess lymph nodes during respiratory examination?
Lymphadenopathy may indicate infection, malignancy, or systemic disease.
What does an elevated JVP indicate in a respiratory context?
Right heart strain due to chronic hypoxia, tension pneumothorax, severe asthma, or massive PE.
What chest features should be inspected?
Symmetry, bulging, scars, rashes, shape, and accessory muscle use.
What does palpable tenderness suggest?
Possible rib fracture, pleuritis, or muscular strain.
What is crepitus or surgical emphysema?
Crackling from air trapped under the skin
What is pleural friction rub?
A grating vibration caused by pleural inflammation.
How do you assess tactile vocal fremitus?
Ask patient to say “ninety-nine” while palpating chest wall; increased fremitus suggests consolidation.
What does a resonant percussion note indicate
Normal lung tissue.
