Pulmonary assessment

Definition

Pulmonary assessment involves the evaluation of the respiratory system to determine its functionality and health. It includes physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests to identify any impairments or diseases affecting the lungs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Malnutrition can weaken respiratory muscles, making pulmonary assessment crucial in nutritional evaluations.
2. Common tools used in pulmonary assessments include spirometry and pulse oximetry.
3. A thorough pulmonary assessment can help identify conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
4. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in proteins and antioxidants, can adversely affect lung function.
5. Assessment findings guide nutritional interventions aimed at improving respiratory efficiency and overall lung health.

Review Questions

• Why is pulmonary assessment important in evaluating a patient's nutritional status?
• What are two common diagnostic tools used during a pulmonary assessment?
• How can nutritional deficiencies impact lung function?

Related terms

Spirometry: A test that measures lung function by determining the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive method to monitor the oxygen saturation level of the blood.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by increasing breathlessness.