Assessing Respiratory Status

• Note the shape and configuration of the chest wall
• Confirm symmetry in chest expansion
• Start the assessment with the patients posterior chest
• The spine should appear in a straight line, the thorax symmetrical in an elliptical shape
• Take a moment to assess the patients skin for any lesions
• You can confirm symmetry in chest expansion by placing your hands on the posteriorlateral chest wall with thumbs at the level of T9
• Slide your hands medially to pinch up a small fold of skin between you thumbs
• Ask the person to take a deep breath….as the patient inhales deeply your thumbs should move apart symmetrically
• Breathing should be regular and without distress
• Breath sounds are evaluated by having the patient breath through the mouth, a little deeper than usual
• Use the flat diaphragm endpiece of the stethoscope and hold it firmly on the person‘s chest wall
• Listen to at least one full respiration in each location
• Side to side comparison is important
• Go to the ‘Breath Sounds’ Link to see where you should listen and what you may hear