Cardiorespiratory physical assessment for the acutely ill: 1

This article, the first of two parts, aims to develop core cardiovascular and respiratory knowledge and to enhance practice for the practitioner caring for an acutely ill patient on a general ward setting. The second part will focus on advanced cardiorespiratory assessment. With increasing acuity of illness in general ward settings, patients' needs are becoming more complex in terms of their nursing and medical management. Nurses must be able to respond to subtle clinical signs and symptoms and act appropriately to ensure that a safe, patient-focused environment is maintained and that the care delivered is evidence-based. By increasing knowledge of the theory and practice of nursing physical assessment, and the ensuing management, acutely ill patients nursed in general ward areas may be provided with timely and appropriate care and may avoid further deterioration and an intensive care admission. This article describes core physical assessment skills, the normal physiology of the cardiovascular system, and the management of cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction.