Respiratory Examination Preparation and Approach

Patient Preparation and Positioning

The European Respiratory Society recommends asking about smoking history, recent illness, medication use, and other relevant information when preparing for a respiratory examination 1
The European Respiratory Society suggests measuring weight and height without shoes as part of the preparation for a respiratory examination 1
The European Respiratory Society advises having the patient loosen tight-fitting clothing for proper access to the chest during a respiratory examination 2
The European Respiratory Society recommends positioning the patient appropriately, typically sitting upright with head slightly elevated, for a respiratory examination 1
The European Respiratory Society suggests that dentures should typically remain in place unless they are loose and may interfere with the examination 2

The American College of Radiology recommends a lower threshold for thorough examination in elderly patients, as they are less likely to report symptoms compared to younger patients 3
The European Respiratory Society suggests that children may require a modified approach with age-appropriate techniques to ensure cooperation during a respiratory examination 1
The European Respiratory Society advises following appropriate infection control measures in patients with suspected infection 2