Respiratory System Exam

Skill
Introduction and approach:
 Appropriate greeting
 Appropriate introduction of oneself
 Appropriate permission
General observations:
 General look, position, mental status, dysmorphism
 Growth and nutritional status
 Obvious respiratory distress/cyanosis
 Other evident clues/observations
Hands/upper limbs:
 Pallor
 Clubbing
 Pulse rate
 BCG scar
Head and neck:
 Skin, eyes, nose as appropriate
 Tongue for cyanosis
 Lymphadenopathy
Chest: Inspection:
 Shape: deformity, hyperinflation
 RR, respiratory distress, pattern
 Skin
 Expansion for asymmetry
Chest: Palpation:
 Mediastinal shift
 Chest expansion for asymmetry
 Tactile vocal fremitus
Chest: Percussion
Chest: Auscultation:
 Air entry
 Breath sounds
 Added sounds
 Vocal resonance
Conduct of exam:
 Smiles and communicate with pt
 Rapport, puts child at ease
Discussion with examiner:
 E.g. differential diagnosis, investigation selection, management plan
 Station no ( )

Clinical Examination: Respiratory

system

Instructions to the candidate:

You are requested to perform respiratory

system and the relevant general examination
on this child
• State your findings as you proceed
• The examiner will ask you a few questions at the end
• You have 8 minutes for this station
 Station no ( )
Examination: Respiratory System

Instructions to the examiner

• The student should be able to perform detailed respiratory system
and relevant general examination and then to answer relevant
questions posed by the examiner
• The student should state the findings as he proceeds
• The student should be marked on proper technique, identification
and interpretation of signs, systematic approach, and
appropriate conduct
You are kindly requested to:
1. Confirm the findings on the patient before the exam
2. Observe the student only (without interaction or interference)
3. Discuss relevant areas (differential diagnosis, investigations, management
plan) with the student when he finishes examining the patient
4. Circle the appropriate score for all items on the check list:
a. Student may not follow the sequence in the check list; therefore you
may need to go up & down the list to record the score
b. If the item on the checklist is not applicable please score the highest
mark
5. Make sure to mark the box for the examiner's overall assessment.
6. Time allowed for this station: 8 minutes