Benchmarks for the Chest
On completion of FCM, you should be able to perform, on a patient or on an Objective Structured Clinical Encounter
Inspection
- Observe respiratory effort and note any signs of respiratory distress
- Observe respiratory excursion
- Inspect the skin as you perform the chest exam
Percussion
- Percuss the chest posteriorly, comparing right and left sides from the apex to interscapular area to the base
- Percuss the spine and costovertebral angles
Auscultation
Use the diaphragm of the stethoscope placed firmly on bare skin, comparing left to right:
- Posteriorly, from the apex to the interscapular area to base
- Laterally, in the midaxillary line
- Anteriorly, over the upper lobes and right middle lobe
Recognize common findings on the chest exam
Perform hypothesis-driven exam maneuvers
- Assess for tactile fremitus
- Assess for egophany