2. History
⢠Six principal symptoms
⢠Dyspnoea
⢠Wheeze
⢠Cough
⢠Sputum
⢠Haemoptysis
⢠Chest pain
pathways for clinical learning
3. History
⢠Acute or chronic
⢠Preceding systemic disturbance
⢠Past medical history
⢠Drug history
⢠Social history â smoking, pets
⢠Family history
⢠Occupational history â allergens/asbestos
pathways for clinical learning
4. Physical examination
⢠Look around
⢠Hands, pulse, BP
⢠Face & Neck
⢠Chest examination
â Inspect
â Palpate
â Percuss
â Auscultate
⢠Other bits
pathways for clinical learning
16. Breath Sounds
⢠Vesicular
â normal breath sounds with a ârustling qualityâ
⢠Diminished - localised or diffuse
â reduced airflow
something between the chest wall and the lung
⢠Bronchial â consolidation
â altered quality with distinct inspiratory and expiratory
phases
pathways for clinical learning
17. Added sounds
⢠Wheeze
â musical notes â
expiratory: mucosal oedema or spasm
inspiratory: secretions or obstruction
⢠Crackles
â non-musical â
inspiratory
⢠Pleural sounds
â rubs and clicks
pathways for clinical learning
18. Vocal sounds
⢠Vocal resonance
⢠Increased
â voice sounds are louder and more distinct
e.g. consolidation
⢠Reduced
â transmission impeded
e.g. effusion, collapse
pathways for clinical learning
19. Information...
⢠Type and amplitude of breath sounds
⢠Type of added sounds and location
⢠Quality of vocal sounds
pathways for clinical learning
20. Auscultation technique
⢠Diaphragm of stethoscope
⢠Mouth open
⢠Breathing deeply
⢠Systematic approach â left and right
â Anteriorly to 6th rib
â Posteriorly to 8th rib
⢠Vocal resonance: say âone one oneâ or
âninety nineâ
pathways for clinical learning
21. Other bits
⢠Peak flow
⢠Oedema
⢠Pulsatile liver
pathways for clinical learning
22. Interpretation of findings
⢠Breath sounds
â locally reduced or absent:
pleural effusion, thickened pleura, collapsed area
â diffusely reduced: emphysema, asthma
⢠Wheeze: asthma, COPD
⢠Crackles: Infection, LVF
â localised in area of consolidation
⢠Pleural rub: pleurisy, PTE
pathways for clinical learning