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Respiratory illnesses often require acute care admissions and are a leading cause of death globally, thus creating a financial burden for healthcare systems. Home healthcare clinicians can significantly reduce morbidity and hospital readmissions by becoming proficient at respiratory assessment. This article aims to assist homecare clinicians in performing a respiratory assessment in a logical and structured approach, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and describes subjective and objective respiratory assessment. It is anticipated that becoming adept at these skills will enable home healthcare clinician to assess and identify those patients at risk for deterioration and readmission.
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