Which parameter would you assess to evaluate work of breathing (WOB)?

Assessing work of breathing (WOB) primarily involves observing the mechanics of respiration, which includes the expansion and movement of the chest wall. This parameter provides direct insights into how effectively a patient is breathing. If the chest wall is expanding normally, it indicates that the patient is likely using their respiratory muscles efficiently, contributing to effective ventilation. Any abnormalities in this movement, such as asymmetrical expansion or retractions, can signal increased WOB or respiratory distress, as the body may be working harder to facilitate breathing.

While options like pulse rate, arterial blood pressure, and skin temperature can offer valuable information about a patient's overall status, they do not specifically assess the efficiency or effort involved in the act of breathing. For instance, a pulse rate might indicate increased heart activity but doesn't reveal how effectively the patient is ventilating. Similarly, arterial blood pressure could show circulatory status, and skin temperature might reflect peripheral circulation or environmental effects, but none of these directly point to the mechanics or effectiveness of breathing effort. Thus, chest wall expansion and movement is the most appropriate parameter to evaluate WOB.