Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 17-1. The circulation of blood
Delicate receptors sense blood volume and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations
and adjust cardiac output by modifying heart rate, the force of contraction, and the volume
of each heartbeat, and hence the amount of blood supplied to different areas of the body
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Simple methods for examining the functions of the heart and circulatory system can
providehighlysignificantinformation,evenforinexperiencedexaminers.Theexamination
should include:
Determining heart rate and rhythm
Judging arterial and venous pressure
Evaluating the peripheral circulation
Listening to the heart and lungs
Heart Rate and Rhythm
The heart rate can be measured most conveniently in the wrist at the base of the thumb,
where pulsations in the radial artery can be felt. The pulsations are usually counted for
fifteen or twenty seconds and multiplied by four or three to obtain the rate per minute.
(Longer counts, sometimes as long as two or three minutes, may be needed for individuals
with irregular rhythms.)
Insomepersons,particularlythoseinshock,radialarterypulsationsmaybetooweakto
count, and the carotid or femoral pulse must be sought. The carotid pulse can be found on
either side of the neck in the groove between the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) and the
prominent muscle that extends from behind the ear to the top of the breastbone (sternum).
Thefemoralpulsecanbefoundinthefoldwherethelegmeetstheabdomenaboutmidway
between the center of the pubic area and the lateral bony edge of the hip. Clothing must be
removed before the femoral pulse can be palpated.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search