How to Assess a Respiratory Patient

There are two types of acute respiratory failure: hypoxia (type one) and hypercapnoea (type two). Hypoxia is a decrease in oxygen supply to a lung tissue. Hypercapnoea is the presence of high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Other respiratory problems can occur from injury, chest disease and acute lung disease. Smoking and secondhand smoke also are a common cause of lung problems and lung disease, according to the American Lung Association. If your patient complains of breathing problems, asses his breathing immediately. Assessing a respiratory patient provides early detection of any problems.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice the patient's attitude. Those with respiratory problems may appear exhausted, anxious or unresponsive. Both hypoxia and hypercapnoea can alter the mental state and cause confusion or disorientation.

• 2

  Look at the patient's skin color. Skin color may be pale and have a blue tinge to it if the patient has hypoxia. A patient with hypercapnoea may appear flushed because of high carbon dioxide levels.

• 3

  Communicate with the patient. Note if he has shortness of breath or gives short sentences. This could indicate a certain level of respiratory failure.

• 4

  Observe the patient's chest, especially when it rises and falls. A chest that has limited movement could point to a respiratory problem or collapsed lung.

• 5

  Place the diaphragm of your stethoscope on the patient's chest. Count the number of times the chest rises for 15 minutes and multiply by 2. This gives you the patient's respiratory rate per minute.

• 6

  Listen to the patient's breath. Record if it is shallow or deep. Make a note for how long it takes the patient to breathe.

• 7

  Inspect the patient's mouth. Look for traces of mucus or blood, which are both signs of lung problems. Smell the breath for a fruity or fecal smell, which could also indicate respiratory problems.