Respiratory Dysfunction In Nursing
The ease of breathing is a subconscious action that is a fundamental part of life. A professional manner is the foundation on which an assessment and quality patient care is built. It is vital that nurses have sound knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system to be able to carry out a respiratory assessment. It is essential that nurses are able to recognise and assess symptoms of respiratory dysfunction to provide early, effective and appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes.
It is necessary for a nurse to have a comprehensive knowledge base of the anatomy and physiological process of a healthy functioning pulmonary system, in order to carry out a respiratory assessment (Jenkins, 2003, p124, Kennedy, 2007, …show more content…
Cyanosis, a bluish colour of the skin and mucus membranes, should be observed as this means there is an inadequate level of oxygen reaching the patient’s extremities (Moore, 2007, p52).
A respiratory assessment should involve a pain assessment including the nature, type, duration and severity. Alterations can occur in breathing when a patient is experiencing pain in any part of the body (Jenkins, 2003, p142). Chest pain is often aggravated by a cough and deep inspiration and the nurse should ask the patient to describe their cough and how long they have had it whilst determining the presence (Kennedy, 2007, p43).
If any, a patient is asked about the quantity, colour, consistency and odour of their sputum. A ‘dry’ cough has minimal sputum as opposed to a ‘loose’ cough is associated with the production of sputum (Jenkins, 2003, p142 & Kennedy, 2007, p43). The colour must be noted as it can range from clear, an infection depending on the severity which is either green, yellow and grey, to blood stained sputum, haemoptysis, which can be life threatening (Jenkins, 2003, p142 & Kennedy, 2007, p43). Abnormal odour emanating from sputum signifies infection where as normal sputum has little or no odour (Jenkins, 2003, …show more content…
Documentation is necessary from a legal perspective and, more importantly, it provides better communication among member of the health care team and ultimately improves patient care (Wilkins et al, 2000, p434). For a nurse to be able to gain a close record of the patient’s development the evaluation of the nursing activities is to be ongoing. Depending on the patient’s problem to begin with, the nurse must evaluate the goals that were primarily set and state evidence. (Jenkins, 2003, p158).
This essay has made emphasis on the importance of a nurse’s knowledge and skills in respiratory assessment. Practical guidance on history taking and physical assessment of patients with respiratory problems and the frequency and treatment of such assessment is determined by the patient’s condition. It is imperative that nurses are aware of the significance of their findings derived from respiratory assessments. Close observation effective assessment and accurate documentation of patients with breathing malfunctions enable nurses to take a holistic approach to their patient and care
It is necessary for a nurse to have a comprehensive knowledge base of the anatomy and physiological process of a healthy functioning pulmonary system, in order to carry out a respiratory assessment (Jenkins, 2003, p124, Kennedy, 2007, …show more content…
Cyanosis, a bluish colour of the skin and mucus membranes, should be observed as this means there is an inadequate level of oxygen reaching the patient’s extremities (Moore, 2007, p52).
A respiratory assessment should involve a pain assessment including the nature, type, duration and severity. Alterations can occur in breathing when a patient is experiencing pain in any part of the body (Jenkins, 2003, p142). Chest pain is often aggravated by a cough and deep inspiration and the nurse should ask the patient to describe their cough and how long they have had it whilst determining the presence (Kennedy, 2007, p43).
If any, a patient is asked about the quantity, colour, consistency and odour of their sputum. A ‘dry’ cough has minimal sputum as opposed to a ‘loose’ cough is associated with the production of sputum (Jenkins, 2003, p142 & Kennedy, 2007, p43). The colour must be noted as it can range from clear, an infection depending on the severity which is either green, yellow and grey, to blood stained sputum, haemoptysis, which can be life threatening (Jenkins, 2003, p142 & Kennedy, 2007, p43). Abnormal odour emanating from sputum signifies infection where as normal sputum has little or no odour (Jenkins, 2003, …show more content…
Documentation is necessary from a legal perspective and, more importantly, it provides better communication among member of the health care team and ultimately improves patient care (Wilkins et al, 2000, p434). For a nurse to be able to gain a close record of the patient’s development the evaluation of the nursing activities is to be ongoing. Depending on the patient’s problem to begin with, the nurse must evaluate the goals that were primarily set and state evidence. (Jenkins, 2003, p158).
This essay has made emphasis on the importance of a nurse’s knowledge and skills in respiratory assessment. Practical guidance on history taking and physical assessment of patients with respiratory problems and the frequency and treatment of such assessment is determined by the patient’s condition. It is imperative that nurses are aware of the significance of their findings derived from respiratory assessments. Close observation effective assessment and accurate documentation of patients with breathing malfunctions enable nurses to take a holistic approach to their patient and care