Cardiovascular general examination

Question 1

look

Answer 1

able to converse, breathless, any obvious pain, sweaty, pale, grey, cyanosis?
Look around patient and bedside environment for clues of possible problem – oxygen, IV cannulation, ECG electrodes, cardiac monitor.
Inspect NEWS chart.

Question 2

what would you check the hands for

Answer 2

Warmth
capillary refill time
peripheral cyanosis.
Tar staining
xanthomata
finger clubbing
splinter haemorrhages
koilonychia.

Question 3

what is koilonychia

Answer 3

cupping of nails

Question 4

what is xanthomata

Answer 4

build up of lipids under skin

Question 5

what vitals would you take

Answer 5

Measure radial pulse rate.
Pulse rhythm character, volume. Check for radio-radial delay.
Check for a collapsing pulse.
blood pressure

Question 6

what would you assess the face for

Answer 6

Conjunctival pallor
corneal arcus
xanthelasma
malar flush.
Look inside mouth for central cyanosis.

Question 7

what additional pulses would you assess

Answer 7

JVP
palpate left and right carotid pulses
osculate for carotid bruit

Question 8

legs/sacrum

Answer 8

peripheral oedema
sacral oedema