How should a nurse assess respiratory excursion?

Assessing respiratory excursion is an important part of the physical examination, particularly when evaluating lung function and detecting any abnormalities. The correct approach involves standing behind the patient and placing the hands on their back. This position allows the nurse to effectively observe and feel the expansion and movement of the chest wall during inhalation and exhalation.

When positioned behind the patient, the nurse can better assess asymmetry in chest movement, which may indicate underlying respiratory issues such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, or other pulmonary conditions. By placing hands on the patient's back, the nurse can actually feel the rise and fall of the thoracic cavity, providing valuable information regarding respiratory excursion.

While other methods of assessment, like asking about breath sounds or observing from the side, may provide some insights into the patient's respiratory status, they do not enable the same level of direct interaction and assessment of chest movement as the method of standing behind the patient. This technique is particularly effective because it combines visual observation with tactile assessment, leading to a more accurate understanding of the patient's respiratory function.