Respiratory disorders are among the most common reasons for admission to critical care units in the UK. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that nursing assessment of patients’ respiratory function is not performed well because it is not considered a priority and the implications of respiratory dysfunction are underestimated. It is essential that nurses are able to recognise and assess symptoms of respiratory dysfunction to provide early, effective and appropriate interventions, thus improving patient outcomes. This article highlights the role of the nurse in respiratory assessment and discusses the implications of clinical findings.