Respiratory Assessment Critical Element Example....

RESPIRATORY ASSESSMENT

Critical Elements from the Study Guide 17th Edition

Respiratory Assessment

The assessment of breath sounds and breathing patterns to determine respiratory status. (Respiratory Assessment will not be assigned in the same PCS with Respiratory Management, Oxygen Saturation, if assigned in Respiratory Assessment, will not be assigned i the same PCS with either Vital Signs or Oxygen Management.)

The Successful Student:

1. Complies with established guidelines
2. Positions the patient to facillitate assessment
3. Assesses the patient's respiratory status by a.) Instructing the patient specifically to breath in and out slowly and deeply. b.) Auscultating breath sounds over upper and lower lobes by systematically moving the stethoscope from side to side(left to right posteriorly) c.)  Observing breathing patterns d.) Measuring oxygen saturation, when assigned
4. Records data related to : a.) Comparison of breath sounds bilaterally b.) Abnormal breathing patterns c.) Oxygen saturation, when assigned

 Mneumonic for you....

• P-osition pt (upright)
• A-auscultate c CE for (rhythm, rate, accessory muscle use, and pattern Posteriorly, on SKIN!!!)
• I-instruct the patient to breathe slowly and deeply while you auscultate for breath sounds.
• R-ecord all

Reposition you patient for comfort, record RRAP, and B/S from L to R and Bilaterally, for each lobe posteriorly.  Note on PCS form narratives if the BS were Present or absent, and any SOB, or discomfort. If you do not auscultate on skin, you FAIL. Note also that your PCS is just for 2 upper and two lower auscultation spots

Verify against your 17th Edition Study Guide....I'm sure I missed somethin here...so feel free to add to comment :))