This excerpt from "Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care" outlines the essentials of a bedside assessment for patients with respiratory disorders. It covers key aspects of interviewing patients, taking a medical history, and performing a physical examination. The text details specific techniques for assessing vital signs, lung sounds, breathing patterns, and other relevant clinical signs. It also discusses the interpretation of these findings to identify underlying respiratory problems. The ultimate goal is to provide respiratory therapists with the skills to accurately assess patients and contribute to their care.