Flashcard 4 - Safety and Infection Control Flashcard Set for the NCLEX-RN Exam

The respiratory system

Upon arriving at a facility, a patient’s respiratory system will be first assessed to determine the severity of the patient’s illness, injury, or distress. After assessing the patient’s airway, respiration pattern, and quality, the nurse will further investigate the patient’s pulse, bleeding, blood pressure, and level of consciousness. Many of these assessments happen simultaneously; however, the respiratory system should always be assessed first.