GKT CLINICAL SKILLS: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PATIENT EDUCATOR PROGRAMME
CHEST / RESPIRATORY EXAMINATION.
Systems Check List

Appropriate introduction to patient giving your own name and checking the name of
the patient.

Explain purpose and main steps of the examination.

Gain verbal consent to proceed with the examination.

Invite the patient to ask questions at any point during the examination.

Wash hands before the beginning of the examination.

Position the patient correctly with the torso at 45 degrees on an examination trolley
or bed, expose the chest appropriately. Check for any pain, discomfort or soreness.

Examine the hands for clubbing, tobacco stains, anemia and peripheral cyanosis.

Measure respiratory rate unobtrusively, observe pattern of breathing

Look for central cyanosis, inspect eyes and mouth.

Inspect the chest. Look for any scars, deformity, abnormal veins.

Assess position of trachea.

Assess position of apex beat.

Examine lymph nodes: cervical and supraclavicular. (correct pressure and contact)

Assess chest expansion anteriorly and posteriorly with the correct use of hands.

Percuss chest anteriorly and laterally ( front and side)

Assess tactile voice fremitus or conducted voice sounds appropriately anteriorly and
laterally.

Auscultation- (clear instructions to patient). Correct areas covered (4-5 positions)
anteriorly and laterally (side to side pattern).

Repeat expansion, percussion, tactile voice fremitus/conducted voice sounds and
auscultation posteriorly.

It would be a part of the examination to look at any sputum pot available and
to measure peak flow rate if there was any suggestion of breathlessness.

Establish and maintains rapport with patient throughout.

Performs examination in a fluent and professional manner.
Revised 9/6/04