The nurse is preparing to begin the thoracic assessment of a patient. What is the initial step of the thoracic assessment?
a. Percussion of the lateral thorax
b. Palpation of the anterior thorax
c. Measurement of the respiratory rate
d. Inspection of the posterior thorax
D
The nurse begins a thoracic assessment by inspecting the posterior thorax to identify any factors that can impair chest expansion or cause respiratory distress. Lateral percussion is not used in a respiratory assessment because the biggest lung fields are across the patient's back. Palpation of the anterior thorax follows assessment of the posterior thorax. Measuring the respiratory rate follows the posterior thoracic inspection.
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