Respiratory assessment evaluates ventilation and oxygenation to detect abnormalities, monitor respiratory conditions, and guide interventions for optimal gas exchange. Components: rate, rhythm, depth; effort (use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, retractions); symmetry; breath sounds (auscultation anterior/posterior noting normal/abnormal sounds); oxygen saturation; cough (productive/non-productive); sputum characteristics; and cyanosis. Nurses assess in all patients but especially with: respiratory conditions, post-operative, chest trauma, neurological impairment. Documentation should be detailed and comparable. Changes require prompt intervention. Special techniques: peak flow measurement for asthma; incentive spirometry teaching post-operatively. Respiratory assessment identifies: atelectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, bronchospasm, pleural effusion. Regular assessment prevents complications. Nurses educate patients about breathing exercises and smoking cessation. Effective respiratory assessment is fundamental skill across all clinical settings.

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Zambia

• loveness Phiri – 801 pts

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