Question

What are the general observations from inspection of the hands in a cardiovascular exam?

Option 1: Color, temperature, nail abnormalities, and capillary refill.

Option 2: Joint flexibility, muscle strength, skin texture, and hair distribution.

Option 3: Tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and pulse strength.

Option 4: Fingernail length, knuckle symmetry, palm texture, and wrist circumference.

Answer 1

In a cardiovascular exam, inspection of the hands focuses on color, temperature, nail abnormalities, and capillary refill, providing insights into oxygen saturation, blood flow, and overall cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The general observations from inspection of the hands in a cardiovascular exam include the assessment of color, temperature, nail abnormalities, and capillary refill. These findings can provide significant information regarding the cardiovascular system. For example, nail bed color can indicate oxygen saturation levels, with bluish or purple nail beds suggesting low oxygen. The capillary refill test, where fingernail pressure is applied and then released, can check for adequate blood flow. A delay in returning to a pink color may indicate low blood volume or shock. Other factors such as pulse strength, measured on various pulse points like the radial artery, can also provide insight into heart rate and the strength of ventricular contraction, tying into the overall cardiovascular health.