Respiratory failure physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Patients with respiratory failure usually appear distressed with altered mental status. Physical examination of patients with respiratory failure is usually remarkable for dyspnea, stridor, and tachypnea.

Physical Examination

Appearance of the Patient

Patients with respiratory failure usually appear distressed with altered mental status.

Vital Signs

• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmia
• Tachypnea

Skin

• Cyanosis
• Bruises
  • May be due to insult to the neck or thorax

HEENT

• Evidence of trauma
• Ophthalmoscopic exam may be abnormal with findings of papilledema
• Flared nares

Neck

Bruises may be noted

Lungs

Fine crackles upon auscultation of the lung basesbilaterally

Neuromuscular

• Altered mental status
• Clonus may be present

Extremities

Cyanosis