Keys To Performing a Respectful & Effective Exam
Wash hands • Explain what you’re doing (& why) before doing it. • Expose minimum amount of skin necessary -“artful” use - of gown & drapes (males & females) • Examining heart & lungs of female patients: • Ask patient to remove bra prior and/or learn to work around bra • Expose side of chest to extent needed • Enlist patient’s assistance positioning breasts to enable cardiac exam • Don’t rush, act in a callous fashion, or cause pain • PLEASE… don’t examine body parts thru gown:
Observation Pay attention to:
- Chest shape
- Shortness of breath (@ rest or walking)
- Sitting upright? Able to speak?
- Visible impulse on chest wall from vigorously contracting ventricle (rare)