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Cases | Cardiothoracic | Grimes

Josh Grimes: Physical Examination

Vital signs

Temp 98 degrees; pulse 38 and regular; BP 140/80 left arm, 136/82 right arm recumbent, 134/82 both arms seated, height 70 inches, weight 175 pounds.

HEENT

Normal.

Neck

Normal; no thyromegaly; jugular veins flat at 45 degrees.

Chest

Resonant, breath sounds normal.

Heart

PMI absent; heart sounds regualr and normal intensity.

Abdomen

Soft and non-tender; no organomegaly or mass.

Extremities

Normal.

Skin

Normal.

Self-assessment question:

Dr. Grey's findings indicate that Josh's symptoms are caused by orthostatic hypotension.

True
False

Explanation

False. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a fall in systolic pressure of 10 or more points in the seated as compared with the supine position. The slow pulse of 38 is the likely cause of his symptom.

Next: Test results

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Last modified: Thursday, 01-Aug-2002 16:44:17 EDT. (PL)

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