Cardiac Assessment Nursing Notes
1. Purpose of Cardiac Assessment
To evaluate the function and integrity of the cardiovascular system by identifying signs of cardiac dysfunction, ensuring
adequate perfusion, and detecting life-threatening conditions early.
2. Components of Cardiac Assessment
A. Health History
- Chief complaint: Chest pain, palpitations, SOB, fatigue
- Past: HTN, CAD, MI, arrhythmias
- Family: Cardiac diseases, sudden death
- Social: Smoking, diet, alcohol, exercise
- Medications: Antihypertensives, anticoagulants
B. Inspection
- Skin color, JVD, edema, respiratory effort
C. Palpation
- Apical impulse, peripheral pulses, cap refill, skin temp
D. Percussion
- Rarely used today; used for heart border estimates
E. Auscultation
- Aortic: 2nd ICS RSB
- Pulmonic: 2nd ICS LSB
- Erb's Point: 3rd ICS LSB
- Tricuspid: 4th ICS LSB
- Mitral: 5th ICS MCL
- Listen for rate, rhythm, S1/S2, murmurs, rubs
3. Vital Signs Related to Cardiac Health
- BP: Hypertension or hypotension
- HR: Tachycardia, bradycardia, irregularities
1. Purpose of Cardiac Assessment
To evaluate the function and integrity of the cardiovascular system by identifying signs of cardiac dysfunction, ensuring
adequate perfusion, and detecting life-threatening conditions early.
2. Components of Cardiac Assessment
A. Health History
- Chief complaint: Chest pain, palpitations, SOB, fatigue
- Past: HTN, CAD, MI, arrhythmias
- Family: Cardiac diseases, sudden death
- Social: Smoking, diet, alcohol, exercise
- Medications: Antihypertensives, anticoagulants
B. Inspection
- Skin color, JVD, edema, respiratory effort
C. Palpation
- Apical impulse, peripheral pulses, cap refill, skin temp
D. Percussion
- Rarely used today; used for heart border estimates
E. Auscultation
- Aortic: 2nd ICS RSB
- Pulmonic: 2nd ICS LSB
- Erb's Point: 3rd ICS LSB
- Tricuspid: 4th ICS LSB
- Mitral: 5th ICS MCL
- Listen for rate, rhythm, S1/S2, murmurs, rubs
3. Vital Signs Related to Cardiac Health
- BP: Hypertension or hypotension
- HR: Tachycardia, bradycardia, irregularities
