← Full lesson and references Paired practice cardsSt Emlyn’s · MLA

One learner performs. One learner checks the key steps and gives feedback. Then swap roles. This is a practice aid, not an official mark scheme.

Examiner / observer

Cardiovascular examination

Tick the actions you observe. Discuss any step that was not needed for this examination; unchecked boxes are not a score.

Examiner / observer · 1 of 3

Cardiovascular examination

Preparation · Symptoms and inspection

Agree supervision and any communication or chaperone support before starting. Use a consenting partner for comfortable, non-invasive techniques and provide the equipment needed for the agreed examination. Use a clinical skills model or describe any uncomfortable component.

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 1 of 3

Examiner / observer · 2 of 3

Cardiovascular examination

Neck · Face

Neck

Palpates the carotids separately, never compressing both together. Key step

Assesses JVP with position adjusted to see it, recording height above the sternal angle and patient position.

Uses gentle sustained abdominal pressure only if helpful and with permission.

Face

Inspects the face for pallor, central cyanosis, corneal arcus, xanthelasma and lip changes.

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 2 of 3

Examiner / observer · 3 of 3

Cardiovascular examination

Examination · Close

Examination

Inspects the precordium and assesses central capillary refill.

Locates the actual apex beat and palpates for heaves and thrills.

Listens over the carotids for a bruit or murmur radiation.

Auscultates valve areas with bell and diaphragm, adding manoeuvres for a specific finding.

Examines the lung bases and checks sacral and peripheral oedema as appropriate.

Assesses for hepatomegaly when appropriate and the patient can lie comfortably.

Close

Restores comfort and privacy, offers help with dressing and thanks the patient.

Ask the candidate

How would you present your findings and their significance? Describe pulse, blood pressure, apex, heart sounds and any murmur by timing, location and radiation. Relate findings to perfusion, JVP and congestion; select ECG, imaging or blood tests for the clinical question. An unstable patient needs prompt help rather than completion of the routine.

What would you do next, and why? Explain the important uncertainty, a relevant next assessment and when help is needed. State what you could not assess.

Feedback

What went well:

One thing to improve:

Try again focusing on:

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 3 of 3

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Return to the examination notes and references

Cardiovascular examination

Your task

Starting information

Cardiovascular examination

Cardiovascular examination

Preparation

Symptoms and inspection

Cardiovascular examination

Neck

Face

Cardiovascular examination

Examination

Close

Ask the candidate

Feedback