How to document tactile fremitus?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for guidance on how to document a physical examination technique known as tactile fremitus, which involves assessing vibrations transmitted through the chest when a patient speaks.
Answer
Place hands over the chest, ask the patient to say '99', feel for vibrations, check for symmetry, and document findings.
To document tactile fremitus, place hands sequentially over the chest, ask the patient to say '99', '1-2-3', or 'Eeeee', feel for vibrations, check for symmetry, and document findings.
Answer for screen readers
To document tactile fremitus, place hands sequentially over the chest, ask the patient to say '99', '1-2-3', or 'Eeeee', feel for vibrations, check for symmetry, and document findings.
More Information
The procedure helps detect conditions affecting lung tissue, such as pneumonia or pleural effusion, through variations in vibration felt on the chest wall.
Tips
A common mistake is not comparing the same areas on both sides of the chest concurrently.
Sources
- Chest Benchmarks - med.stanford.edu
- Documenting a Respiratory Exam - Just the Basics - ThriveAP - provider.thriveap.com
- Lung Exam - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
