Physical Assessment Techniques for Pneumonia

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What is the purpose of measuring chest excursion during a respiratory assessment?

To determine the quality of coastal cartilage

To examine the postural deformities

To assess the strength of the vocal cords

To evaluate the depth of breathing (correct)

Which statement best describes how tactile fremitus is created?

It is produced by the thoracic muscles

It is generated by the vocal cords (correct)

It is transmitted through the coastal cartilage

It originates from the accessory muscles

During a respiratory assessment, what can reduced chest excursion indicate?

Increased lung capacity

Potential pain in the thoracic region (correct)

Improved respiratory muscle strength

Enhanced postural alignment

What is the recommended technique for palpating thoracic muscles to assess chest movement?

Slide hands over the skin surface Signup and view all the answers

What causes chest movement to decline in older adults according to the text?

Respiratory muscle atrophy and coastal cartilage calcification Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe the sound waves created by vocal cords transmitted through the lungs to the chest wall?

Tactile Fremitus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the noticeable bulging of intercostal spaces during expiration?

Hypoventilation Signup and view all the answers

Why do some patients bend towards the side affected when holding the chest wall due to pain?

To splint the chest wall Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator that a patient is using great effort to breathe?

Active movement in intercostal spaces during breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should be assessed when looking for deformities in a patient's thorax?

Slope of the ribs and position of the spine Signup and view all the answers

Palpation of which body part can provide further information about a patient's health status?

Thoracic muscles and skeleton Signup and view all the answers

What does symmetrically attached scapulae indicate in relation to the thoracic wall?

Normal thoracic wall function Signup and view all the answers

What should you assess by comparing the right and left sides of the thorax?

Tactile fremitus Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are observed during the examination of the lateral thorax?

Accessory muscles Signup and view all the answers

What does a coastal angle larger than 90 degrees between the two coastal margins indicate?

Abnormal thoracic anatomy Signup and view all the answers

What kind of breathing pattern is considered normal during assessment?

Quiet and barely audible breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which condition might lead to patients relying on accessory muscles for breathing?

Asthma exacerbation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of raising the patient's arms during examination of the lateral thorax?

To access lateral thoracic structures Signup and view all the answers