ABSTRACT
Introduction Respiratory examination must form part of a multisystem assessment, as physiologically no body system works in isolation. The clinician should review available medical/nursing documents and charts to insure that any overall ‘trends’ are identified, as this will prevent findings being taken out of context. Early detection of physiological changes may prevent catastrophic patient deterioration. Liaison with members of the multidisciplinary team will insure a holistic examination is performed.
