Observing the sick child: part 2b. Respiratory palpation

Assessment is a major nursing role, and expanding assessment techniques, traditionally seen as the remit of the medical profession, can assist nursing assessment and the provision of appropriate care. This is the third article in a series of five articles. Parts 1 and 2a provided a practical critical review of the validity and reliability of basic respiratory assessment focusing on measurement of respiratory rate, rhythm and depth. This article provides a practical step-by-step introduction to the theory and practice of advanced respiratory assessment using palpation. Next month we will build on these skills and provide a practical step-by-step introduction to using auscultation in order to augment basic respiratory assessment skills.