Which symptom is NOT typically part of a respiratory assessment?

Palpitations are not typically part of a respiratory assessment as they relate more to cardiac function than respiratory function. The primary focus of a respiratory assessment is to evaluate the patient's breathing and lung function, which commonly includes symptoms such as shortness of breath (SOB), wheezing, and sputum production.

Shortness of breath is a key indicator of respiratory distress and is assessed to determine the level of severity. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often indicating constriction of airways or obstruction, making it a vital sign during the evaluation of respiratory conditions. Sputum production refers to the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract, which can signify infections or other pulmonary issues.

In summary, while shortness of breath, wheezing, and sputum production are critical aspects of assessing a patient's respiratory status, palpitations stem from cardiovascular issues and do not provide direct information about respiratory health.