Cardiovascular Exam

Question 1

What must you always remember before every exam?

Answer 1

Always assess bilaterally

Question 2

Part 1: General Survey

What do you assess? (5)

Lazy Ass Otters Swim Poorly.

Answer 2

Levine’s sign- clenched fist over chest to assess angina

Anxiety

Obvious JVD

Shallow breathing

Peripheral cyanosis

Question 3

Part 1: Pt reclines 30º

What do you assess?

Answer 3

Chest lifts/heaves when breathing?

PMI: palpate apex

Thrill: palpate w/ palm RSB, LSB, Base, Apex

BOTH Bell/Diaphragm: RICS2, LICS2, LICS4, LICS4, LICS5, Apex

Question 4

Part 2: Pt sitting and leaning forward

What do you assess? (3)

Answer 4

Listen with diaphragm LICS3, Apex

Ask pt to hold breath

Verbalize listening for cardiac/pleural rub

Question 5

Part 3: Pt in left lateral decubitus

What do you assess? (2)

Answer 5

Palpate for thrills (RSB, LSB, Base, Apex)

Listen w/ BELL at apex