What is assessed during the "breathing" portion of the primary assessment?

During the "breathing" portion of the primary assessment, the focus is on evaluating the respiratory function of the child. This includes checking the respiratory rate, which helps determine if the child is breathing adequately, and assessing lung sounds, which can indicate any obstruction, wheezing, or other conditions affecting air movement within the lungs.

By monitoring the respiratory rate, healthcare providers can identify tachypnea (rapid breathing) or bradypnea (slow breathing), both of which require immediate attention. Listening to lung sounds can reveal important information about the presence of abnormal sounds such as stridor, rales, or rhonchi, which can signal respiratory distress or other critical issues like asthma or pneumonia.

This assessment is crucial because adequate breathing is essential for oxygenation and overall physiological stability. Having this information early in the assessment guides further interventions that may be necessary to ensure the child’s safety and effective treatment.