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Assessment and examination of the respiratory system
Helen Bone1, Sadie Diamond-Fox2
1was Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust when this article was written.
Abstract:
This article aims to outline the fundamental principles of consultations with and clinical assessments of patients with symptoms that may be indicative of respiratory system pathology. The article explores how to perform a respiratory system-focused patient history and physical examination. An evaluation of clinical 'red flags' to reduce the risk of omitting serious illness is also considered, alongside the exploration of features of respiratory pathology and evidence-based clinical decision-making tools that may be used to support clinical diagnosis.
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