Sherpath- Assessing Chest and Lungs
Comprehensive Chest and Lung
Assessment
1. Importance of Thorough Assessment
A meticulous assessment of the chest and lungs is crucial for nurses to:
o Identify signs of respiratory conditions.
o Develop an effective treatment plan.
This assessment involves three key techniques:
o Inspection of the chest.
o Palpation of the chest.
o Auscultation of lung sounds.
2. Inspection of the Chest: Thoracic Observation
During the inspection phase, the nurse carefully observes the anterior and
posterior thorax, paying close attention to the following thoracic landmarks for:
Size and Shape:
o Comparison of the anteroposterior diameter with the transverse
diameter.
Color of the skin.
Venous Patterns: Note any unusual or prominent patterns.
Symmetry during:
o Inhalation.
o Exhalation.
Superficial Venous Patterns.
Prominence of Ribs.
3. Thoracic Landmarks: Guiding Palpation and
Auscultation
These landmarks serve as essential reference points to pinpoint underlying
structures during the physical examination:
, Midsternal Line:
o Runs vertically down the midline of the sternum.
Right and Left Midclavicular Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the midclavicle.
o The inferior borders of the lungs generally cross the sixth rib at these
lines.
Right and Left Anterior Axillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the anterior axillary folds.
Right and Left Midaxillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the midaxilla.
Right and Left Posterior Axillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the posterior axillary folds.
Vertebral Line:
o Runs vertically down the spinal processes.
Right and Left Scapular Lines:
o Located parallel to the vertebral line.
o Pass through the inferior angle of the scapula when the patient is
erect.
4. Inspection of the Chest: Respiration
During inspection, the nurse evaluates the patient's respirations for:
Rate.
Rhythm.
o Observed by inspecting the chest wall movement.
Symmetry of chest movement during breathing.
Use of Accessory Muscles.
Any audible sounds associated with respiration.
5. Signs of Respiratory Compromise: Comprehensive
Observation
The nurse should also observe other body areas for indicators of respiratory
compromise, including:
Comprehensive Chest and Lung
Assessment
1. Importance of Thorough Assessment
A meticulous assessment of the chest and lungs is crucial for nurses to:
o Identify signs of respiratory conditions.
o Develop an effective treatment plan.
This assessment involves three key techniques:
o Inspection of the chest.
o Palpation of the chest.
o Auscultation of lung sounds.
2. Inspection of the Chest: Thoracic Observation
During the inspection phase, the nurse carefully observes the anterior and
posterior thorax, paying close attention to the following thoracic landmarks for:
Size and Shape:
o Comparison of the anteroposterior diameter with the transverse
diameter.
Color of the skin.
Venous Patterns: Note any unusual or prominent patterns.
Symmetry during:
o Inhalation.
o Exhalation.
Superficial Venous Patterns.
Prominence of Ribs.
3. Thoracic Landmarks: Guiding Palpation and
Auscultation
These landmarks serve as essential reference points to pinpoint underlying
structures during the physical examination:
, Midsternal Line:
o Runs vertically down the midline of the sternum.
Right and Left Midclavicular Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the midclavicle.
o The inferior borders of the lungs generally cross the sixth rib at these
lines.
Right and Left Anterior Axillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the anterior axillary folds.
Right and Left Midaxillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the midaxilla.
Right and Left Posterior Axillary Lines:
o Located parallel to the midsternal line.
o Begin at the posterior axillary folds.
Vertebral Line:
o Runs vertically down the spinal processes.
Right and Left Scapular Lines:
o Located parallel to the vertebral line.
o Pass through the inferior angle of the scapula when the patient is
erect.
4. Inspection of the Chest: Respiration
During inspection, the nurse evaluates the patient's respirations for:
Rate.
Rhythm.
o Observed by inspecting the chest wall movement.
Symmetry of chest movement during breathing.
Use of Accessory Muscles.
Any audible sounds associated with respiration.
5. Signs of Respiratory Compromise: Comprehensive
Observation
The nurse should also observe other body areas for indicators of respiratory
compromise, including:
