A thorough respiratory assessment involves several steps:
Inspection: Observe the patient's chest movement, respiratory effort, and overall appearance. Palpation: Feel for any abnormalities in chest expansion and the presence of tenderness. Percussion: Tap on the chest to detect abnormal sounds that may indicate fluid or air accumulation. Auscultation: Use a stethoscope to listen to lung sounds, identifying any abnormal sounds that may indicate respiratory issues.
