Assessment of Symmetrical Lung Expansion

What is the purpose of placing warm hands on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs at the level of T9 or T10?

• To feel for vibrations

• To check for skin temperature

• To assess symmetrical lung expansion

• To measure heart rate

What should you ask the person to do while assessing symmetrical expansion?

• Hold their breath

• Take a deep breath

• Cough

• Exhale slowly

What is indicated by unequal chest expansion?

• Normal lung function

• Marked atelectasis or pneumonia

• Healthy respiratory system

• Proper lung inflation

What should you note when the person inhales deeply during the symmetrical expansion test?

• The color of the skin

• The sound of breathing

• Any lag in expansion

• The temperature of the chest

What is a sign of pain accompanying deep breathing?

• Normal lung function

• Pleurae inflammation

• Healthy respiratory system

• Proper lung inflation

What is the role of hands during the symmetrical expansion test?

• To amplify sound

• To serve as mechanical amplifiers

• To measure temperature

• To detect color changes

What should you feel for when palpating the costal margins from the front?

• Temperature changes

• Edge of the costal margins

• Color changes

• Sound variations

What is the purpose of using the palm to feel during the examination?

• To detect color changes

• To feel for tenderness, pain, lumps, bumps, and masses

• To measure temperature

• To listen for sounds

What should you look for when assessing symmetry of the lungs from the back?

• Color changes

• Sound variations

• Expansion of both lungs

• Temperature differences

What is tactile fremitus?

• A visual examination

• A sound test

• A vibration felt on the chest

• A temperature measurement