Cardio Exam Signs Flashcards
What angle should the bed be at for a CV exam?
45°
What objects should you look for from the End of the Bed in a CV exam?
- equipment (O2Tx, ECG, GTN, catheters, lines)
- mobility aids
- pillows
- vitals, fluids, prescriptions
What patient factors should you look for from the End of the Bed in a CV exam?
- cyanosis
- SOB
- pallor
- malar flush
- oedema
What peripheral stigmata of CVD can be found in the hands?
- pallor/cyanosis
- tar staining
- clubbing (IE, atrial myxoma)
- xanthomata (hyperchol)
- cool, sweaty/clammy (ACS)
- splinter haemorrhages (IE, trauma, sepsis)
- Janeway lesions (IE)
- Osler’s nodes (IE)
What CVD signs do you palpate for in the hands?
- temperature
- CRT
- pulses (radial, brachial)
- RR/RF delay (subclavian stenosis/obstruction, AD/AC)
- collapsing pulse (fever, pregnancy, AR, patent ductus arteriosus, anaemia, AV fistula, thyrotoxicosis)
- lying & standing BP
What does a slow-rising pulse indicate?
AS
What does a bounding pulse indicate?
AR, CO2 retention
What does a thready pulse indicate?
Hypovolaemia (sepsis)
What does a narrow pulse-pressure (<25mmHg) indicate?
- AS
- CHF
- tamponade
What does a wide pulse-pressure (>20mmHg) indicate?
AD
What CVD signs are found in the neck?
- carotid bruit (carotid stenosis, AS radiation)
- raised JVP (>3cm) (RHF, TR, pericarditis)
What CVD signs are found in the eyes?
- conjunctival pallor (anaemia)
- corneal arcus (age, hyperchol)
- xanthelasma (hyperchol)
- KF rings (Wilson’s cardiomyopathy)
What CVD signs are found in the mouth?
- central cyanosis
- angular stomatitis (IDA)
- high-arched palate (marfan’s)
- dental hygiene (IE)
What CV signs do you inspect for in the thorax?
- scars (median sternotomy, AL thoracotomy, infraclavicular, L.mid axillary scar)
- pectus excavatum/carinatum
- visible pulsations (LVH)
What CV signs do you palpate for in the thorax?
- apex beat (LVH - displacement)
- heaves (murmur), parasternal (RVH)
- thrills (murmur)
