Cardiovascular

Question 1

Parts of Cardiovascular assessment

Answer 1

Focused hx questions
Inspection
Palpation
Auscultation precordium
Expected findings in older adults

Question 2

Cardiovascular: What position should the client be in?

Answer 2

Sitting, supine or LEFT lateral

Question 3

Cardiovascular: Focused hx questions

Answer 3

Chest pain
HTN
Activity tolerance
Medications
Swelling (Peripheral extremities)

Question 4

Cardiovascular: Inspect

Answer 4

Jugular vein distention
Periphery limbs for edema:
- Expected findings - appropriate color for race, skin temp = warm
- Abnormal findings - Cyanosis, pallor, edema, clubbing of nails. May = lung disease, heart problem of GI issues

Question 5

Cardiovascular: Palpate

Answer 5

Carotid pulses - bilateral (One at a time)

Pulse amplitude (0-4):
Absent - 0
Thready - 1
Weak - 2
Strong - 3
Bounding - 4

Palpate pulses
Capillary refill on fingernail
- Normal = less than 3 sec

Question 6

Auscultation precordium

Answer 6

Used to hear heart valve sounds

Base right - 2nd intercostal space = Aortic valve (S2)
Base left - 2nd intercostal space - Pulmonic valve (S2)
Left lateral sternal border: 4th intercostal space - Tricuspid valve (close to sternum, S1)
Apex: 5th intercostal space - Mitral valve (S1)

If a murmur is auscultated, assess:
location, quality, frequency, intensity, timing, sounds and radiation

Question 7

Cardiovascular: Expected finding in older adults

Answer 7

Activity intolerance
Decreased heart rate
Weaker pulses
Lower extremity edema