examination .pdf

Examination of patient with chest problem  Performing a clinical examination for a patient with a chest problem involves several key steps to assess the patient’s condition thoroughly Medical History Symptoms: Ask about chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, hemopt...

Examination of patient with chest problem  Performing a clinical examination for a patient with a chest problem involves several key steps to assess the patient’s condition thoroughly Medical History Symptoms: Ask about chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and wheezing. Past Medical History: Inquire about previous lung disorders, infections, and other medical conditions. Exposure History: Check for exposure to chemicals, dust, molds, or animals. Lifestyle Factors: Discuss smoking, alcohol use, and drug use. Family History: Look for any family history of lung or airway disorders. Physical Examination General Appearance: Observe the patient’s overall appearance, weight, and mood. Vital Signs: Measure temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Inspection: Look for signs of respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), and clubbing of the fingers. Palpation: Feel for tenderness, masses, or abnormal movements in the chest. Percussion: Tap on the chest to assess the underlying structures. This helps determine if the lungs are filled with air, fluid, or solid material. Auscultation: Use a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds. Note any abnormal sounds like wheezes, crackles, or decreased breath sounds. Investigation Imaging Chest X-ray: Obtain an image to visualize the lungs and chest structures CT and MRI Ultrasound Laboratory investigation Blood Tests Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses overall health and detects a variety of disorders, including infections and anemia. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood to evaluate lung function. D-dimer: Helps rule out blood clotting disorders like pulmonary embolism. Troponin: Detects heart muscle damage, useful in diagnosing myocardial infarction (heart attack). C-reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Indicators of inflammation in the body. Microbiological Tests Sputum Culture: Identifies bacteria or fungi causing lung infections. Blood Cultures: Detects bacteria or fungi in the blood, especially in cases of severe infection. Others: Pulse Oximetry: Measure the oxygen saturation in the blood. Spirometry: Assess lung function by measuring the volume and flow of air during inhalation and exhalation. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Check the electrical activity of the heart to rule out cardiac causes of chest pain. Functional Assessment as Exercise Test: Ask the patient to walk or climb stairs to see if exertion causes shortness of breath or other symptoms. Thank you