In this article, we will discuss the Preoperative Respiratory Assessment. So, let’s get started.
Respiratory Assessment
The followings should be assessed in detail:
- Chest deformities: Kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis, pes excavatum and pectus carinatum
- Breathing pattern: Normal rate of respiration 12-16 breaths/min. Inspiration:expiration- 1:2
- Abnormal breathing patterns: Pursed lip breathing, apnea, hypoapnea, Cheynesokes respiration, ataxic breathing, apneuistic breathing
- Chest movements: Symmetry of chest movements, depth of respiration, accessory muscle involvement
- Chest expansion: It can be assessed both by observation and palpation
- Dyspnea/breathlessness: It is known as increased work of breathing and can be assessed using “The New York Heart Association Scale of Dyspnea”
I- No symptoms with ordinary activities/No breathlessness with exertion
II- Symptoms with ordinary exercise
III- Symptoms with mild exertion
IV- Symptoms at rest
- Orthopnea: Breathlessness while lying flat.