Question

Correlate lung and thorax anatomy with expected objective health assessment findings.

Answer 1

THORAX

Thorax forms the upper part of the trunk of the body. the trunk of the body is devided by diaphragm into an upper part caller thorax and a lower part called abdomen. the thorax is supported by a skeletal framework, the thoraxic cage. the thoraxic cavity contains the principle organs of respiration - the lung, and of circulation - heart.

LUNGS

The lungs are a pair of respiratory organs situated in the thoracic cavity. each lung invaginates the corresponding pleural cavity. the right and the left lungs are separeted by the mediastinum. the lungs are spongy in texture. in young the lungs are brown or gray in colour, gradualy they become mottled black because of the dposition of inhaled carbon particles.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

before begining the assessment the nurse should be familier with the normal anatomy of the thorax and the lung. the nurse should be aware of the position of the underlying organs and the ribs.

the assessment of respiratory systen begins with observation. the nurse should observe color of tongue and mucous membranes, respiratory rate and breathing pattern. most of the iexternal injuries of the thoracic cavity can be detected by inspection or observation.

after inspection the nurse can begin with palpation.while palpating, the pulling of  trachea to either side of the neck may results from unequal intrathoracic pressure within the chest cavity which indicates pneumothorax or other serious condition. the anterior or posterior chest must be free from tenderness, pain or masses.

percussion is helpful to determine density of underlying lung tissue and identify the position of diaphragm. percussion sounds should be low pitche, hollow and long in duration.

auscultation is the assessment of the lung sounds to rule out the diseases. the abnormal breath sounds are called adventitious breath sounds. which occurs when the air passes air passess through a narrow airway or an airway filled with fluid or mucus.