What does the assessment of respiratory excursion primarily involve?

The assessment of respiratory excursion focuses on evaluating the movement of the chest and diaphragm during breathing. This involves observing and palpating the thoracic region to determine the extent of expansion that occurs with inhalation and exhalation. Proper respiratory excursion indicates that the lungs are expanding adequately and suggests that there are no obstructions or issues limiting thoracic movement.

Assessing respiratory excursion is crucial as it can help identify conditions such as pleural effusion, pneumonia, or atelectasis, where there might be compromised lung function. Therefore, when determining the effectiveness of respiratory mechanics, understanding how well the chest and diaphragm move is essential for assessing a patient’s respiratory health and functionality.