Cardiovascular Assessment Flashcards
What is the name of pulse point in the neck?
Carotid Artery
Name the two pulse points on the arm
Brachial (cubital fossa)
Radial (wrist)
Name the pulse points of the lower legs
Popliteal (behind knee)
Posterior Tibial (side on ankle)
Dorsal Pedis (top of foot)
What visual assessments are involved in cardiovascular?
Colour
Oedema
Oral mucosa
Clubbing
Scars from previous surgeries/pacemakers/watchmen
What landmarks are we looking for in palpitation?
Clavicle
Sternum
Aortic, Pulmonic, Tricuspid and Mitral Locations
What is an ideal capillary refill time?
<2 seconds
What is the name of the central and most accurate pulse point?
Apical (5th intercostal space, mid clavicular line)
What are we assessing pulses for?
Rate
Rhythm
Strength
What are the 5 locations we are listening for heart sounds?
- Aortic – 2nd ICS, right sternal border
- Pulmonic – 2nd ICS, left sternal border
- Erbs Point 3rd ICS, left sternal border
- Tricuspid – 5th ICS, left sternal border
- Mitral – 5th ICS, left mid clavicular line
All Piggies Eat Too Much stand for:
Aortic
Pulmonic
Erbs Point
Tricuspid
Mitral
How do we asses for bruit when listening to the carotid artery?
Ask patient to take a deep breath in and hold it whilst you listen for any blowing sounds.
What are we listening for when listening to Apical pulse?
Premature or irregular beats.
What can we find when comparing apical and radial pulse?
It is possible to find pulse deficits, a sign of weak contraction of the ventricles - which can be a sign of AF and HF
What is MAP?
Mean Arterial Blood Pressure
What is normal MAP?
70mmHg-100mmHg
How do we figure out MAP?
SBP + (2x DBP) divided by 3
What is ramipril?
ACE inhibitor
What is ramipril used for?
To treat hypertension and heart failure.
How do ACE inhibitors work?
ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in the body from making angiotensin 2, a substance that narrows blood vessels.
Patients BP is 95/60 during your vital sign check. He is due his regular Ramipril dose now, will you give this?
No, encourage fluids (oral or may need IVT) and elevate legs. Contact doctor to confirm if ramipril dose is still indicated if BP does not increase after those interventions.
Should Auscultation or Palpitation be done first?
Palpitation
