Focused Assessment- Respiratory System

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases between the body and the external environment. It includes the upper and lower airways, the lungs, and the muscles involved in breathing. The respiratory system is essential for sustaining life, as it provides oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. A focused assessment of the respiratory system is crucial for identifying respiratory abnormalities and implementing appropriate interventions. This article will provide a detailed overview of the focused assessment of the respiratory system, including the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, common respiratory abnormalities, and the components of the focused respiratory assessment.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system includes the upper and lower airways, lungs, and associated muscles. The upper airways consist of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. The lower airways consist of the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The lungs are divided into lobes and are surrounded by the pleura, a thin membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity. The muscles involved in breathing include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

The primary function of the respiratory system is the exchange of gases. Oxygen is taken in through the upper airways and transported to the lungs, where it diffuses across the alveolar membrane and enters the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is removed from the bloodstream and transported to the lungs, where it is exhaled through the upper airways.

• Focused Assessment- Neurological Examination
• Focused Assessment- Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary
• Focused Assessment – Cardiovascular System
• Focused Assessment: Sleep Assessment
• Focus Assessment: Nutritional Assessment

Common Respiratory Abnormalities

Respiratory abnormalities are common and can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common respiratory abnormalities include:

1. Asthma: a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes narrowing of the bronchioles, making it difficult to breathe.
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a progressive lung disease that causes airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing.
3. Pneumonia: an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli, making it difficult to breathe.
4. Pulmonary embolism: a blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot, which can cause sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.

Focused Assessment- Respiratory System