Abnormal findings-lung, thorax, and abdomen inspection

Cyanosis (blueness)

Pallor (pale)

Ruddy (red/purple) 

-Hypoxemia-low oxygen saturation 

-Potential anemia 

-Excessive RBCs / polycythemia

Gasping, laboring, nasal flaring

Respiratory distress, COPD, asthma

Lordosis, increased AP ration, hunched over, tripod

Difficult breathing, obesity, trauma

Tachypnea

Rapid breath, > 20 BPM

-Insufficient oxygenation, exercise, anemia, anxiety

Bradypnea

Slow breathing, < 10-12

-Sleep/relaxation, depressed brain activity, certain crocheting

Apnea

No breathS

-BAD=cardiac arrest, death

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Slow rate, <10, likely medication (narcotics), increased pressure in the brain

Kussmaul respirations

Rapid and deep breaths at a consistent pace. Can be from metabolic acidosis, and can signal a medical emergency

Clubbing

A condition characterized by the enlargement of the fingertips and toes, can be caused by long-term hypoxemia

Decreased or diminished sounds

Mass or consolidation-COPD, lung disease, pneumonia

Absent sounds

Blocked airway (mass, tumor, infection)

Crackles

Crackling sounds, velcro’ish, fluid or secretions, inspiration

Wheezing

High pitched and musical, mostly expiratory, but can be both. Asthma, restrictive airway issues

Rhonchi

Low pitched throughout breathing cycle. May clear with coughing, generally due to chronic secretions

Stridor

LOUD, upper airway, can be obstruction (choking), croup, medical emergency

Atelectasis

Partial or total lung collapse. Assessment can include decreased sounds, crackles, dullness

Asymmetric movements or expansion

Lung collapse, chuckle, rib fracture, other pathology/injury

Dull sounds on percussion

Fluid or solid filled tissue-consolidation

Crepitus

A crackling or popping sound in the lungs or chest wall, often indicating air trapped in subcutaneous tissue or within the respiratory system

Blumberg sign (if indicated)

Rebound tenderness

-Pain when pressure is released

-Often a sign of peritonitis

Murphy sign

Pain with breathing indicates inflammation of gallbladder

Illiopsoas muscle test

Right leg lifted while supine and push down

-Pain in RLQ can be appendicitis

McBurney’s Point 

RLQ

-Tenderness or rebound tenderness is sign of appendicitis

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood from the respiratory tract, indicating possible lung disease or injury

Emphysema

Destruction of respiratory capillary bed and alveoli creating large air sacs and collar

Bronchitis

Inflammation of bronchi that stimulates mucosal glands

Pleural effusion

Collection of fluid in the intrapleural space that compresses lung tissue

Pneumo/hemothorax

Collapsed or blood-filled lung

CHF

Fluid overload and respiratory congestion

Pulmonary embolism

Blood clot in the pulmonary vein that causes shunting of blood to atelectasis (collapsed lung) area

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon, leading to abdominal pain and digestive issues

Hernias

When an organ or tissue protrudes through a week spot in the muscle or CT that surrounds it

Crohn disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition

Ulcerative colitis

Chronic inflammation of colon characterized by ulcers and continuous inflammation, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea

Paralytic ileus

Lack of peristalsis, usually in the small intestine

Ulcer

A sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines, often causing pain and digestive issues

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder

Hepatitis

A liver condition characterized by inflammation, often caused by viral infections, toxins, or alcohol

Hepatitis A

Transmitted through contaminated food and water

Hepatitis B

Transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or contaminated needles

Hepatitis C

Primarily through infected blood or body fluids, but also through contaminated objects like medical equipment

Hepatitis D

Requires a previous infection with hepatitis B

-infected blood or body fluids

-Can cause severe liver damage

Hepatitis E

A viral infection primarily spread through contaminated water/ food

-Zoonotic