Physical Examination Findings - Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Cyanosis

Answer 1

Bluish discoloration of the feet or toes, indicative of poor blood perfusion.

Question 2

Pitting Edema

Answer 2

Swelling of the lower extremities, but due to cardiovascular complications like CHF or Venous Insufficiency.

Question 3

Claudication

Answer 3

Lower extremity cramping induced by activity, indicative of poor perfusion to the lower extremities.

Question 4

Pallor

Answer 4

Paleness

Question 5

Capillary Refill

Answer 5

Time it takes for color to return to the toe after applying pressure to to (normal is less than 2 seconds).

Question 6

Skin turgor

Answer 6

Decreased skin turgor is indicative of dehydration.

Question 7

Hemosiderosis

Answer 7

Brown discoloration from iron accumulation with venous stasis.

Question 8

Dorsalis pedal pulses (DP pulses)

Answer 8

Pulses on top of the feet.

Question 9

Posterior pedal pulses (PT pulses)

Answer 9

Pulses behind the tibia. (2+ = normal, 1+ = decreased, 0 = absent)