Health Assessment Exam 2 Review: Cardiovascular & Musculoskeletal Systems

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy, assessment findings, peripheral vascular diseases, and musculoskeletal basics.

Perfusion

Blood flow delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood AWAY from the heart; features include thicker walls, higher pressure, and NO valves.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood TO the heart; features include thinner walls and the presence of valves.

AV Valves

Valves located between the atria and ventricles, consisting of the Tricuspid on the RIGHT side and the Mitral (Bicuspid) on the LEFT side.

Semilunar Valves

Valves consisting of the Pulmonic (Right ventricle to lungs) and the Aortic (Left ventricle to body).

Myocardium

The MUSCLE layer of the heart responsible for pumping.

S1

The “lub” sound at the beginning of systole caused by the closure of AV valves (Mitral and Tricuspid); loudest at the APEX.

S2

The “dub” sound at the beginning of diastole caused by the closure of semilunar valves (Aortic and Pulmonic); loudest at the BASE.

S3

A heart sound occurring AFTER S2; in older adults, it can indicate heart failure or fluid overload.

S4

A heart sound occurring BEFORE S1; indicates a stiff ventricle and is often associated with hypertension.

Erb’s Point

Assessment landmark located at the 3rd LEFT ICS; best place to hear S2 and many murmurs.

PMI (Point of Maximal Impulse)

Located at the 5th ICS LEFT midclavicular line (Mitral/Apical site).

Stenosis

A condition where a heart valve does NOT open properly, characterized as a tight or narrow valve.

Regurgitation

A condition where a heart valve does NOT close properly, causing blood to leak backward.

Grade VI Murmur

A very loud murmur accompanied by a thrill, which is a vibration that can be felt over the chest.

Pulse Scale

$0$ = absent, $1+$ = weak, $2+$ = normal, $3+$ = full, $4+$ = bounding.

Pulse Deficit

The difference between the apical pulse and the radial pulse; can occur with dysrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.

JVD (Jugular Vein Distention)

A physical finding that can indicate right-sided heart failure and fluid overload.

Normal Capillary Refill

$\leq 2$ seconds.

Stage 1 HTN

Blood pressure ranges of $130-139$ OR $80-89$.

Stage 2 HTN

Blood pressure ranges of $\geq 140$ OR $\geq 90$.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in BP when standing, causing symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and weakness.

Virchow’s Triad

Three factors increasing risk for thrombus formation: venous stasis, vessel injury, and hypercoagulability.

Intermittent Claudication

Pain when walking, often found in patients with PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease).

Angina

Chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia, triggered by activity or stress and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium; classic finding is a FRICTION RUB (scratching/grating sound).

Hematopoiesis

The production of blood cells, which occurs within the skeleton.

Synarthrodial

Immobile joints, such as those in the skull.

Diarthrodial

Freely movable joints.

Ligaments

Connective structures that attach bone to bone for stability.

Tendons

Connective structures that attach muscle to bone for movement.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Degenerative joint disease resulting in pain with activity, affecting weight-bearing joints.

Gout

Severe joint pain caused by uric acid accumulation, often affecting the great toe.