Question

1. Document two (2) normal and two (2) potentially abnormal findings when conducting a physical assessment of the respiratory system and cardiac system.

	Abnormal	Normal
Respiratory	1. 2.	1. 2.
Cardiac	1. 2.	1. 2.

Answer 1

Physical assessment is done to find out abnormality in the body and it also gives the clear picture of the disease condition. Physical examination also confirms the data obtained from the client through history collection. Physical assessment in regular intervals also gives the picture of disease prograssion and effectiveness of treatment/interventions.

Phsical assessment done is 4 steps.

1) Inspection- it is done by observing the body surface/skin.

Eg: Blueish discolouration of skin- Cyanosis

2) Palpation - its done by touching the client, mainly by fingers and palm.

Eg: Checking Arterial Pulse rate.

3) Percussion- by tapping over the perticular area over the body.

Eg: Tapping over abdomen to find dullness.( in case of ascitis)

4) Auscultation- by Stethoscope.

Eg: hearing Heart sounds (S1 S2)

Abnormal findings in Respirstory system

i) On inspection we can see use of accessary muscles(intercostal muscles) for respiration. Its found in Asthma)

ii) On auscultation we can hear Crackles, low pitched sounds heard during inspiration mainly present in case of excess secreions in the airway.

Normal findings in Respiratory system

i) Respiratory rate ranges from 12-18 per minute in adults.

ii) Symmetrical expansion of the chest.

Abnormal findings in cardiac system

i) On palpation low volume areterial pulse indication of left ventricular failure ( due to left ventricular failure heart is not able to pump the blood)

ii) On auscultation we can hear S3 heart sound which is low frequency sound caused during early diastole heard over apex of the heart caused due to increased arterial pressure it coocus in congestive cardiac failure.

Normal findings in cardiac system

i) Arterial pulse rate 60-100 beats per minute in adults.

ii) S1 and S2 sounds heard in auscultation (also called as lub-dub), these are produced by closure of atrioventricular and semilunar valves heard over apex of the heart.