What should be assessed in a pulmonary system physical assessment?

Assessing the pulmonary system during a physical assessment involves focusing on symptoms directly related to respiratory function and health. The presence of a current cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing are all fundamental indicators of pulmonary status.

A cough can reveal underlying issues such as infections, irritants, or chronic conditions, while sputum production provides important information about potential infections, inflammation, or other pulmonary diseases. Difficulty breathing, or dyspnea, can indicate a variety of health concerns ranging from obstructive airway diseases to fluid buildup in the lungs. Thus, evaluating these symptoms is crucial for understanding the patient's respiratory health and determining the appropriate course of action.

In contrast, while chest pain and migraines may present alongside respiratory issues, they are not specific to the pulmonary system and require different assessments. Cardiac rhythm and respiratory function are interconnected, but a holistic approach prioritizing breathing and lung function is necessary for pulmonary evaluations. Skin integrity and nutrition status are important in overall health assessments but are not directly related to the specific assessment of the pulmonary system.