Question

What are the two aspects to palpate on the hands in the cardiovascular examination?

Option 1: Finger strength and wrist flexibility.

Option 2: Capillary refill and nail texture.

Option 3: Radial and ulnar pulses.

Option 4: Temperature and joint mobility.

Answer 1

In a cardiovascular examination of the hands, the radial and ulnar pulses are the aspects to palpate to assess heart rate and blood flow strength. The radial artery is a common pulse assessment site, offering insights into cardiac output and potential cardiovascular conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a cardiovascular examination of the hands, the two aspects to be palpated are the radial and ulnar pulses. These pulses are examined to assess the heart rate and the strength of blood flow through the peripheral arteries. When checking the pulse, one would place the tips of the fingers on the artery, which lies close to the skin surface, and press lightly to feel the pressure wave of blood circulating through the artery.

The radial artery, located at the wrist, is one of the most common sites for pulse assessment, along with the ulnar artery. The pulses provide valuable information about the cardiac output and may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.