Nurses should follow a systematic approach to respiratory monitoring:
1. Observation: Look for signs of respiratory distress such as nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis, or altered mental status. 2. Palpation: Feel for tracheal deviation or asymmetrical chest expansion which may indicate issues such as pneumothorax. 3. Auscultation: Use a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds in different lung fields. Note any abnormalities. 4. Monitoring Devices: Utilize devices like pulse oximeters and capnographs to continuously monitor SpO2 and end-tidal CO2.
