Cardiovascular Exam

Question 1

Inspection/Palpation (Extremities)

Answer 1

• Capillary refill (bilateral)
• Cyanosis
• Edema
• Skin discoloration and abnormal hair growth

Question 2

Pulses

Answer 2

Top to bottom:

• Carotid (auscultate for bruits first)
• Brachial
• Radial
• Femoral
• Popliteal
• Posterior tibial
• Dorsalis pedis

Question 3

Inspection/Palpation (Precordium)

Answer 3

• Inspect/Expose chest
• Palpate for costochondral joint tenderness
• Find the apical impulse/PMI
• Lifts/heaves and thrills

Question 4

Auscultation (diaphragm)

Answer 4

All Physicians Take Money

• 2nd interspace at right sternal border (aortic)
• 2nd/3rd interspace at left sternal border (pulmonic)
• 4th/5th interspace at left sternal border (tricuspid)
• Apex (mitral valve)