Why do we listen to the posterior of the lungs?
It is useful to start here because the lung fields are closer to the wall of the posterior chest and there’s less interference from heart sounds than with the anterior chest. If abnormalities are detected, listening to the sounds of the patient’s spoken or whispered voice as they are transmitted through the chest wall.
Where do you assess lung sounds?
Auscultation of the lungs should be systematic, including all lobes of the anterior, lateral and posterior chest. The examiner should begin at the top, compare side with side and work towards the lung bases. The examiner should listen to at least one ventilatory cycle at each position of the chest wall.
How do you document lung assessment?
Documentation of a basic, normal respiratory exam should look something along the lines of the following: The chest wall is symmetric, without deformity, and is atraumatic in appearance. No tenderness is appreciated upon palpation of the chest wall. The patient does not exhibit signs of respiratory distress.
When assessing the posterior chest What is a starting point for counting ribs and interspaces?
When assessing the posterior chest, what is a starting point for counting ribs and interspaces? Posteriorly, the 12th rib is another possible starting point for counting ribs and interspaces: it helps locate findings on the lower posterior chest and provides an option when the anterior approach is unsatisfactory.
Which lung sounds are heard over the posterior thorax area?
Bronchovesicular sounds are heard in the posterior chest between the scapulae and in the center part of the anterior chest. Bronchovesicular sounds are softer than bronchial sounds, but have a tubular quality.
Which part of the lungs is assessed on the posterior chest?
The entire lower lobe can be assessed on the posterior chest.
Where to auscultate lung sounds?
Lung sounds, also referred to as respiratory sounds or breath sounds, can be auscultated across the anterior and posterior chest walls with a stethoscope.
Where to auscultate lungs?
Auscultation of the lungs should be systematic, including all lobes of the anterior, lateral and posterior chest. The examiner should begin at the top, compare side with side and work towards the lung bases. The examiner should listen to at least one ventilatory cycle at each position of the chest wall.
How do you listen to breath sounds?
To describe and identify breath sounds, medical professionals usually use auscultation (they listen with a stethoscope). They listen while the patient is breathing in, and while they are breathing out. They listen to both lungs, at both the chest and the back, starting at the bottom and working their way up.
What is posterior lung?
The posterior border of the lungs is the junction of costal and mediastinal surfaces posteriorly. It extends from the apex to the inferior border of the lung. Compared to the anterior border, it is broad and convex in order to sit flush with the thoracic vertebral bodies which lie posterolaterally.