Cardiovascular, Peripheral Vascular, and Lymphatic Assessment

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy, auscultation points, peripheral pulses, and clinical findings for arterial, venous, and lymphatic conditions.

Base of the heart

The upper part of the heart located at the $2^{nd}$ intercostal space to the left and right of the sternal border.

Apex of the heart

The lower part of the heart located at the $5^{th}$ intercostal space at the L midclavicular line.

Carotid Arteries location

Located in the neck in the notch medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle bilaterally, lateral to the trachea.

Aortic Auscultatory Area

Precordial landmark located at the $2^{nd}$ ICS at the R sternal border.

Pulmonic Auscultatory Area

Precordial landmark located at the $2^{nd}$ ICS at the L sternal border.

Erbs Point

Precordial landmark located at the $3^{rd}$ ICS at the L sternal border.

Tricuspid Auscultatory Area

Precordial landmark located at the $4^{th}$ ICS at the L sternal border.

Mitral Auscultatory Area

Precordial landmark located at the $5^{th}$ ICS at the midclavicular line.

6 "Ps" of Arterial Occlusion

A mnemonic for symptoms of arterial blockage: Pain, Pulselessness, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, and Poikilothermia.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Waking up with shortness of breath (SOB) while sleeping.

Pulse Grade 0

Absent pulse, which must be verified with a doppler.

Pulse Grade 1

Faint pulse.

Pulse Grade 2

Regular pulse.

Pulse Grade 3

Full pulse.

Pulse Grade 4

Bounding pulse.

Popliteal pulse

Peripheral pulse located behind the knee in the popliteal fossa.

Posterior tibial pulse

Peripheral pulse located on the inner aspect of the ankle behind the medial malleolus.

Dorsalis pedis pulse

Peripheral pulse located on top of the foot between extension tendons of the first and second toes.

Bruit

An unexpected finding heard over the carotid artery, often signifying diminished pulse.

Arterial ulcers

Deep and necrotic lesions with minimal drainage, often associated with thin, taut, shiny skin.

Venous ulcers

Shallow and pale lesions with a moderate to large amount of drainage, associated with thick, hardened skin.

Troponin

A serum diagnostic test for identifying Myocardial Infarction (MI).

BNP

A serum diagnostic test for identifying Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

Homan's sign

A physical assessment sign for venous occlusion that is no longer considered accurate.