CLIN SKILLS: CVS Systems Review

Question 1

CVS systems review

Answer 1

• Chest pain
• Dyspnoea - exertional, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal (woken up @ night w/ extreme SOB)
• Ankle swelling
• Palpitations (abnormal awareness of heart beats)
• Intermittent claudication - any pain in the calves when walking?
• Syncope (fainting)?
• Fatigue (unusual tiredness)

Question 2

follow up question for chest pain (CVS systems review)

Answer 2

• radiation

Question 3

follow up question for paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (CVS systems review)

Answer 3

• how many pillows do u sleep with

Question 4

follow up question for paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (CVS system review)

Answer 4

• how many pillows/how propped up do u need to be to breathe properly?

Question 5

follow up questions for ankle swelling (CVS systems review)

Answer 5

• one leg or both? (both sides = R heart failure, one side = DVT, ask if its painful)
• are you still able to put socks/shoes on?
• is it pitting?
• how long has it been going on for?
• is it better in the morning?

Question 6

follow up questions for palpitations (CVS systems review)

Answer 6

• rhythm
• rate
• pattern
• assoc. Sx e.g. SOB, dizziness, chest pain

Question 7

follow up question for intermittent claudication (CVS systems review)

Answer 7

• is pain relieved by rest?

Question 8

follow up questions for syncope (CVS systems review)

Answer 8

• how long were you out for?
• any associated Sx?
• anyone there to see episode?

Question 9

causes of syncope (3 mnemonics)

Answer 9

• HEAD: hypoxia, epilepsy, anxiety, dysfunctional brain stem (TIA)
• HEART: heart attack, embolism, aortic blockage, rhythm disturbance, tachycardia
• VESSELS: vasovagal, ectopic, situational, subclavian steel, ENT (thyroglossal n.), low systemic vascular resistance (drugs), sensitive carotid sinus