Respiratoy Assessment 17th edition study guide pgs 200 - 202

Listen over the intercostal space not on the bones, move the stethoscope from side to side from top to bottom directly on the skin.

• Have the patient in an upright position if possible, the patient may be positioned on the side, for those unable to sit up or lie on their side anterior assessment is acceptable.
• Instruct the patient to breath in and out slowly and deeply while listening to each side only need to listen to upper and lower
• Compare right to left
• Observe breathing pattern - watch torso for regularity, use of ancillary muscles, quality and depth
• Oxygen saturation when assigned

Document normal or abnormal - not wheezes, rales, ronchi, shallow or deep, regular or irregular, address upper and lower right and left lobes, and how patient tolerated. If there is any oxygen and if sat is ordered record the percentage.

Great learning tool for lung assessments