Cardiology Physical Exam Flashcards

Flashcards about cardiology physical exam.

What does HPI stand for and what information should you gather?

History of present illness; get corroboration from EMS & family.

What does PMH stand for?

Past medical history.

What topics are covered under TH (Toxic Habits)?

Smoking, drinking, drugs.

What topics are covered under SH (Social History)?

Who they live with, employment, ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).

What information do you gather under FH?

Family history.

What are the vital signs to check during a physical exam?

Pulse, BP, Temperature, RR, Oxygenation.

What is the normal pulse rate for adults?

60-100 beats /min.

What characteristics of pulse should be assessed?

Rate, Rhythm (regular/irregular).

What is a normal adult blood pressure range?

100-140/90 mmHg.

What does systolic blood pressure measure?

Measures pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

What does diastolic blood pressure measure?

Measures pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

What is the normal body temperature?

98.6F or 37.0C.

What is the normal respiratory rate (RR)?

12-20.

What is the normal oxygen saturation?

95% on room air.

What are the main parts of a stethoscope?

Eartips, Eartube, Headset, Tubing, Stem, Dual-lumen Tubing, Tunable Diaphragm, Chestpiece.

What is the purpose of the eartips on a stethoscope?

To fit snugly, sealing out ambient noise and helping you to focus on auscultation.

What are Littmann stethoscope eartubes made of?

Aerospace aluminum alloy that provides both strength and lighter weight.

Why can Littmann stethoscope headsets be adjusted?

To ensure a proper fit into your ear canals.

What is the benefit of next-generation tubing in Littmann stethoscopes?

Improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol for longer tubing life.

What is the purpose of the stem on a two-sided chestpiece stethoscope?

To index, or open, the side of the chestpiece that you wish to use.

What is dual-lumen tubing?

Two sound paths inside one outer tube which helps eliminate the rubbing noise generated by traditional twin-tubed stethoscopes.

What does a tunable diaphragm do?

Lets you easily switch between hearing high- and low-frequency sounds simply by adjusting the pressure on the chestpiece.

Where is the aortic area (Base Right) for cardiac auscultation?

Second intercostal space to the right of the sternum.

Where is the pulmonic area (Base Left) for cardiac auscultation?

Second intercostal space to the left of the sternum.

Where is the tricuspid area (LLSB) for cardiac auscultation?

Fourth intercostal space to the left of the sternum.

Where is the mitral area (Apex) for cardiac auscultation?

Fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line.

What are the two periods of the cardiac cycle?

The first is a contraction (systole) and the second a relaxation (diastole).

What sound does S1 produce?

Lub.

What sound does S2 produce?

Dub.

What should the patient do before taking blood pressure measurements?

Patient should sit or lie quietly for at least 5 minutes before measurement.

How should the patient be positioned to take blood pressure measurement?

Seated comfortably, back supported, bared upper arm, legs uncrossed.

At what level should the arm be positioned when taking blood pressure?

Heart level - the mid-point of the sternum.

What is the optimal cuff length and width when measuring blood pressure?

80%/40% of arm circumference.

At what rate should the cuff be deflated (mm Hg per second)?

<3 mm Hg per second.

What determines systolic blood pressure when taking a manual blood pressure reading?

First audible Korotkoff sound.

What determines diastolic blood pressure when taking a manual blood pressure reading?

Last audible Korotkoff sound.

What cuff size is recommended for arm circumferences of 22 to 26 cm?

22 to 26 cm, 'small adult' cuff, 12 x 22 cm.

What cuff size is recommended for arm circumferences of 27 to 34 cm?

27 to 34 cm, 'adult' cuff: 16 x 30 cm.

What cuff size is recommended for arm circumferences of 35 to 44 cm?

35 to 44 cm, 'large adult' cuff: 16 x 36 cm.

What cuff size is recommended for arm circumferences of 45 to 52 cm?

45 to 52 cm, 'adult thigh' cuff; 16 x 42.

How does the sitting position affect diastolic blood pressure (dBP) compared to the supine position?

dBP is higher than when measured supine (by 5 mm Hg).

How does the supine position affect systolic blood pressure (sBP) compared to the upright position?

sBP is 8 mm Hg higher in the supine than the upright position.

How does crossing the legs affect systolic blood pressure (sBP)?

May raise sBP by 2 to 8 mm Hg.

What effect do deflation rates >3 mm per second have on blood pressure determination?

Leads to a significant underestimation of systolic and overestimation of diastolic blood pressure.

What is the effect on blood pressure if the upper arm is below the level of the right atrium?

High BP.

What is the effect on blood pressure if the upper arm is above the level of the right atrium?

Low BP.

What is the difference in blood pressure per inch above or below the heart level?

2 mm Hg for every inch above or below the heart level.