Trachea position
. Assess position of the trachea
Technique
. Feel for the trachea by putting the index and ring fingers of right hand on each edge of sternal notch, and use
the middle finger to assess whether the trachea is central or deviated to one side
A slight deviation of the trachea to the right side may be found in healthy individuals
. Assess for the presence of tracheal tug in air way obstruction
A tracheal tug is demonstrated when the finger resting on the trachea feels it move in inferiorly with each
inspiration. It is a sign of hyperinflation of the chest because of tracheobronchial obstruction