A nurse is completing an assessment. Which should the nurse assess using inspection?

A. "It's important to store client charts and documents in a secure location when not in use.": Storing charts securely prevents unauthorized access and protects client privacy. This demonstrates proper understanding of confidentiality practices in nursing documentation.

B. "I can share a client's medical information with my friends as long as I don't disclose the client's name.": Sharing any client information with unauthorized individuals violates HIPAA and confidentiality standards. Even without a name, details about a client’s condition are considered protected health information and must not be shared.

C. "We should use client identifiers such as full name and date of birth on every page of the client's chart.": Including client identifiers on each page ensures accuracy, proper record-keeping, and reduces errors. This practice supports both patient safety and legal documentation requirements.

D. "When discussing client information, we should use private and secure areas to prevent unauthorized access.": Conducting discussions in secure, private areas prevents accidental disclosure of confidential information. This demonstrates adherence to best practices for maintaining client privacy and confidentiality.

Inspection: Inspection is the first step in a respiratory assessment because it allows the nurse to observe the client’s overall respiratory effort, chest symmetry, use of accessory muscles, and breathing pattern. It is noninvasive and provides essential visual information about the client’s respiratory status before performing any physical manipulation.

• Percussion: Percussion is performed last because it involves tapping the chest to assess underlying tissue density and lung sounds, which can be uncomfortable for the client if done first. It provides additional information about areas of consolidation, fluid, or air in the lungs. Percussion is best completed after inspection, palpation, and auscultation, ensuring the assessment progresses from least to most invasive.