Respiratory Assessment and Treatments

Respiratory Assessment • A respiratory assessment is an external assessment of ventilation that includes observations of the rate, depth and pattern of respirations. • An accurate assessment of respiration depends on recognizing normal thoracic and abdominal movements. • On inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, causing abdominal organs to move downward and forward, increasing the vertical space of the chest cavity. • At the same time, the ribs lift upward and outward, and the sternum lifts outward to aid the transverse expansion of the lungs. • On expiration, the diaphragm relaxes upward, the ribs and sternum return to their relaxed position, and the abdominal organs return to their original position. Respiratory Assessment Cont. Assess the resident for signs and symptoms of respiratory changes: • Complaints of shortness of breath (dyspnea) • Bluish or cyanotic appearance of the nail beds, lips, mucous membranes and skin • Restlessness, irritability, confusion, decreased level of consciousness • Pain during inspiration and expiration • Labored or difficult breathing • Orthopnea • Use of accessory muscles • Abnormal breath sounds such as wheezes, rhonchi or rales • Inability to breathe spontaneously • Thick, frothy, blood-tinged or copious sputum production • Paradoxical chest wall movement