Cardiac Components
Assessment Procedures
Normal
Abnormal
Specialized Focused
100

The two top chambers of the heart

What are the atria?

100

These include information about present health status, medications, and family history.

What are the components of the health history?

100

60-100

What is the normal range for adult heart rate?

100

Tachycardia

What is the term meaning HR over 100?

100

The assessment procedure used to see the electrical activity of the heart

What is an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)?

200

The great vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

What is the aorta?

200

These include age, gender, race, smoking, and physical activity

What are risk factors for hypertension and coronary artery disease?

200

90-120

What is the normal range for adult systolic blood pressure?

200

Passing out or losing consciousness

What is syncope?
200

BP measurements taken lying, sitting, and standing.

What are orthostatic vital signs?

300
The pericardium, myocardium, and endocardium.

What are the three layers of the heart wall?

300

On the thumb side of the forearm at the wrist

Where is the radial pulse palpated?

300

2+

What is the normal amplitude or force of a pulse on palpation?

300

Less than 60 or more than 80

What is abnormal adult diastolic blood pressure?

300

Ankle SBP divided by brachial SBP.

What is the equation for the ankle-brachial index (ABI)?

400

The valves that separate the atria from the ventricles

What are the tricuspid and mitral valves?

400

The 2nd left intercostal space

Where is the pulmonic heart valve heard best?

400

2-3 seconds or less

What is the normal time for capillary refill?

400

Abnormal extra interstitial fluid

What is edema?

400

Non-invasive way to assess right atrial pressure

What is the purpose of observing for Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)?

500

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the ventricles are relaxed and filled with blood

What is diastole?

500

The pulse auscultated at the left midclavicular 5th intercostal space 

What is the apical pulse?

500

No bruits heard

What is normal auscultation findings of the carotid arteries?

500

Scratching extracardiac sounds caused by irritation of the pericardium

What is a pericardial friction rub?
500

Leg pain while walking relieved with rest indicating PAD

What is intermittent claudication?