Respiratory Examination Checklist
Respiratory Examination Checklist
Preparation
- Ensure privacy and comfort for the patient
- Gather necessary equipment (stethoscope, penlight, measuring tape, etc.)
- Introduce yourself and explain the procedure to the patient
- Wash hands thoroughly before examination
Inspection
- Observe the patient's general appearance and respiratory distress
- Check for use of accessory muscles during breathing
- Look for cyanosis in lips or fingers
- Assess the shape of the chest (barrel, funnel, etc.)
- Inspect the skin for any lesions or abnormalities
Palpation
- Palpate the chest wall for tenderness or deformities
- Assess for symmetrical expansion of the thorax with deep breaths
- Check for tactile fremitus (vibration) by placing hands on the back during speech
Percussion
- Percuss the chest in a systematic manner (anterior, lateral, posterior)
- Listen for differences in sound (resonant, dull, hyper-resonant)
Auscultation
- Use a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds in all lung areas
- Identify normal breath sounds (vesicular, bronchial) and abnormal sounds (wheezes, crackles, stridor)
Conclusion
- Summarize findings to the patient
- Document findings in the patient's medical record
- Discuss any further tests or referrals if necessary
Generated from Panda Checklist
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