preview

Respiratory Assessment Essay

Decent Essays

Respiratory Examination I then needed to carry out a respiratory assessment. I observed Mr Brown’s chest for any visible signs of scars or trauma. This appeared normal. His chest was normal shape, with no signs of barrel or pigeon chest. With a barrel chest, the shape is abnormally round and bulging. This can be the result of a patient suffering from COPD. A Patient with a pigeon chest has a sternum that protrudes beyond the front of the abdomen (Publications, 2007). I also observed his ease of breathing there was no sign of him using his accessory muscles to aid breathing (IBID). The frequent use of accessory muscles can indicate a respiratory problem especially if the patient purses their lips and flare their nostrils when breathing (Publications, 2007). When carrying …show more content…

On palpation there was no sign of sacral or peripheral oedema. This is assessed by looking for the size and colour of his ankles an also seeing if they are bilaterally equal size, then gently pressing the skin with your finger to see if an indentation is left, which will slowly refill as the fluid returns (IBID). Percussion The reason for percussing a chest is to set up vibrations which then become audible. This can then aid to assess areas of varying density. The presence of fluids, solids or air will produce different resonances. Resonant is normal lung sound (Cross and Rimmer, 2007). Dull sound can mean fluid or tissue filled cavity Hyper resonant can indicate air trapping in lung cavity or pleura space (IBID). I found nothing abnormal I then went onto percuss his chest in the appropriate places (see appendix 2 for places for percussion) using my two fingers to tap on my second finger, which I had placed over his intercostal spaces. I was observing for Resonance, hyper resonance dull and very dull sounds Nothing abnormal

Get Access