Cardiac Assessment Script

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to cardiac assessment in nursing.

Cardiac Assessment

A systematic process of evaluating heart health through inspection, palpation, and auscultation.

PMI (Point of Maximal Impulse)

The location where the heartbeat is strongest, typically found at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.

S1

The first heart sound, known as 'lub,' caused by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves at the start of systole.

S2

The second heart sound, referred to as 'dub,' resulting from the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves signifying the start of diastole.

Heart Murmur

An abnormal whooshing sound caused by turbulent blood flow, usually graded on a scale from 1 to 6.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A congenital heart defect characterized by four related heart problems that result in insufficient oxygenated blood reaching the body.

Thready Pulse

A weak and thin pulse that may indicate low blood volume or pressure.

Auscultation

The process of listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope to assess heart sounds.

Arterial Insufficiency

A condition characterized by cool, pale skin, weak pulses, and pain with walking due to poor oxygenated blood flow.

Venous Insufficiency

A condition where blood does not return properly to the heart, leading to warm skin, swelling, and potential ulcers near the ankles.