Examination

of the Respiratory
System
Nov 17, 2015

General Inspection
Appearance: well/unwell
Increased respiratory rate/
Accessary muscle use/Dyspnoea,
Pursed lips
Cyanosis/Pallor
Tar staining of fingers
Oedema of legs/feet

 Palpation of radial pulse

rate/volume/rhythm
?bounding
?pulsus paradoxus

Count respiratory rate (normal 12-20/min)

Anterior /posterior Chest

Inspect: Deformity, Scars
Palpate:

Trachea and neck lymph nodes

Chest expansion
Tactile vocal fremitus

Percuss at the suggested areas

Auscultate:

Breath sounds (vesicular/bronchial)

Added sounds (crackles/wheeze/pleural rubs)
Vocal resonance

surface markings of the trachea and lung

Trachea from cricoid cartilage to sternal
angle anteriorly (carina) and T4 spinous
process posteriorly
Lobes of the lung

Good video for Physical Examination of the

Respiratory System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyJpnCWy-W8