Nasal Flaring
Increased WOB/ severe distress
(usually associated with all diseases)
respiratory distress sign for infants
Pursed-lip Breathing
Air-trapping
Expiratory resistance/prolonged exhalation
(Usually associated w/ obstructive diseases ‘CBABE’)
Peripheral Edema
Caused by CHF or Renal Failure
+1 +2 +3 etc. Higher the number, the greater the swelling (recommend diuretic)
*poor perfusion
Ascites
Gathering of fluid in the abdomen generally caused by liver failure
Diaphoresis
Heavy sweating
HF (diuretics, +inotropic agents)
Fever, infection (antibiotics)
Anxiety (sedatives)
TB/night sweats (anti-tubercular drugs)
JVD
Fluid backing up from right side of heart at rest.
‘Usually seen during exhalation in patients with OLD or air trapping’
Occurs with CHF
Skin
Temperature/Color
Jaundice
Increased bilirubin level
Erythema
Redness of skin
(usually caused by capillary congestion, inflammation, or infection)
Central Cyanosis
Severe Hypoxemia
“Emergency”
Address with FiO2 ASAP
Capillary Refill
Indication of peripheral circulation
*longer than 3 secs = poor perfusion
Peripheral Cyanosis
Not always hypoxemia related
“central cyanosis” but at fingertips
*vasoconstriction/poor peripheral perfusion
Digital Clubbing
Chronic Hypoxemia
(suggestive of pulmonary disease)
*can be chronic lung or heart disease
Just an indication, can be many things
Barrel Chest
Increased A-P Diameter
Pectus Carinatum
Anterior protrusion (sticks out) of the sternum
Pectus Excavatum
Depression of part of or the entire sternum
Kyphosis
Convex curvature of the spine (lean forward)
