CVS Examination

Question 1

What is normal jugular venous pressure?

Answer 1

0-4cm of water

Question 2

How do you tell the difference between the JVP and carotid pulse?

Answer 2

JVP- two pulses in each cycle, not easily palpated as becomes occluded with light pressure
Carotid- one pulse in each cycle, easily palpated

Question 3

How do you measure JVP?

Answer 3

The distance from the highest point of pulsation to the level of the sternal angle.
Should be <4cm

Question 4

What does a raised JVP suggest?

Answer 4

Venous hypertension

Question 5

When taking a pulse, what things should you comment on?

Answer 5

Rate (bpm)
Rhythm- regular, irregular (regularly irregular or irregularly irregular)
Volume- how easily palpable a pulse is

Question 6

Recap- what is a normal PR?

Answer 6

60-100

Question 7

Recap- what is a pulse <60 referred to as?

Answer 7

Bradycardia

Question 8

Recap- what is a pulse >100 referred to as?

Answer 8

Tachycardia

Question 9

When will the character of a pulse usually change?

Answer 9

When you raise the arm above the head

Always check they do not have any shoulder pain before lifting to arm