Respiratory Assessment and ABGs

Discussion on respiratory system development from infancy through aging, and essential safety/systematic protocols for conducting physical assessments on patients in clinical and ICU settings.

Introduction to the course objectives, covering the anatomical landmarks of the thorax including ribs, sternal angles, and reference lines necessary for accurate physical examination and clinical documentation.

A detailed look at evaluating key respiratory symptoms including cough characteristics, sputum production, and shortness of breath (dyspnea), utilizing the MRC scale for assessment.

Application of the IPPA method (Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation) to assess chest configuration, respiratory rhythm, tactile fremitus, and identify abnormal breath sounds.

Clinical examination findings associated with specific pulmonary diseases like atelectasis, lobar pneumonia, emphysema, asthma, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and ARDS.

A tutorial on interpreting Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results and performing clinical calculations including desired FIO2, conversion of oxygen support, and determining PF ratios for ARDS staging.