When assessing respiratory function, what are abnormal findings?

The assessment of respiratory function is crucial for identifying potential health issues. Abnormal findings in respiratory assessment typically indicate an underlying problem with lung function or airway obstruction. Dyspnea, which refers to difficulty breathing, along with tachypnea (an increased respiratory rate) and wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing), are clear indicators of respiratory distress or compromise.

These symptoms suggest various possible conditions, such as asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or even anxiety-related breathing issues. The presence of any one or a combination of these symptoms warrants further investigation and potential intervention. Therefore, identifying these abnormalities is vital for timely and effective management of a patient's respiratory health.

In contrast, strong breath sounds paired with a normal respiratory rate and a regular breathing pattern with no distress indicate effective respiratory function. Clear lung fields and a normal rhythm reflect healthy lung function and normal breathing mechanics. Hence, these findings would not be considered abnormal.