Palpate the patient’s radial pulse, located at the radial side of the wrist, with the tips of your index and middle fingers aligned longitudinally over the course of the artery. Once you have located the radial pulse, assess the rate and rhythm.
How do you complete a respiratory assessment?
Observe the patient for important respiratory clues:
- Check the rate of respiration.
- Look for abnormalities in the shape of the patient’s chest.
- Ask about shortness of breath and watch for signs of labored breathing.
- Check the patient’s pulse and blood pressure.
- Assess oxygen saturation.
How is Cricosternal distance measured?
The cricosternal distance is the distance between the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage and the sternum. To measure it, put the index finger of your right hand on the patient’s trachea against the inferior edge of the cricoid cartilage.
What are the common assessment you note to patients with respiratory diseases?
A focused respiratory objective assessment includes interpretation of vital signs; inspection of the patient’s breathing pattern, skin color, and respiratory status; palpation to identify abnormalities; and auscultation of lung sounds using a stethoscope.
How do you assess lung expansion?
Overall Chest Expansion: Take a tape and encircle chest around the level of nipple. Take measurements at the end of deep inspiration and expiration. Normally, a 2-5″ of chest expansion can be observed. Any lung or pleural disease can give rise to a decrease in overall chest expansion.
What does Cricosternal distance indicate?
Cricosternal distance A distance of less than three of the patient’s finger-breadths indicates hyperventilation, usually evident as a visible ‘descent’ of the trachea during inspiration (tracheal tug) (Ford et al, 2005).
What is the OSCE checklist for respiratory examination?
OSCE Checklist: Respiratory Examination Introduction 1 Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate 2 Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role 3 Confirm the patient’s name and date of birth 4 Briefly explain what the examination will involve using patient-friendly language 5 Gain consent to proceed with the examination
What do you need to know about respiratory examination?
Respiratory examination frequently appears in OSCEs. You’ll be expected to pick up the relevant clinical signs using your examination skills. This respiratory examination OSCE guide provides a step by step approach to examining the respiratory system, with an included video demonstration.
How do I conduct a paediatric respiratory examination?
You may also be interested in our paediatric respiratory examination guide. Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate. Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role. Confirm the patient’s name and date of birth. Briefly explain what the examination will involve using patient-friendly language.
What does clubbing of the fingers indicate in an OSCE?
Finger clubbing is associated with several underlying disease processes, but those most likely to appear in a respiratory OSCE station include lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Ask the patient to place the nails of their index fingers back to back.
