Assessment of difficulty breathing involves several steps:
Conduct a thorough patient history to identify underlying conditions, onset, and duration of symptoms. Perform a physical examination focusing on respiratory rate, depth, and effort, as well as auscultation of lung sounds. Utilize tools like the Borg Dyspnea Scale to quantify the patient's perceived difficulty in breathing. Monitor vital signs including oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure. Order diagnostic tests like chest X-rays, blood gas analysis, and pulmonary function tests if necessary.
