Auscultation is the most important and effective clinical technique for evaluating a patient’s respiratory pathology. This article gives details of different findings with audio examples.
Requirements for efficient auscultation:
a) A quiet environment is desirable as it makes it easier to listen to respiratory sounds.
b) The patient should be in the proper position.
Preferably in a sitting position, so that all the areas of chest are
accessible for examination. However, the anterior areas can be examined
even when the patient is lying down. |
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Advances in medical science and improved social conditions during the past few decades have increased the life span of humans. This ageing of the population is also a product of demographic transition owing to a reduction in fertility and mortality.
This phenomenon of population ageing is universal. Almost 10% of the population in developed countries and 5 to 8% in the developing countries are over the age of 60 years. By 2020 more than 1000 million people aged 60 years and older will be living in the world, more than 700 million of them in developing countries 1. In 1970, only 3.7% of the population in Malaysia was 60 years and above. In the year 2020, this population would have increased to 7% and would comprise 2.1 million of the estimated population of 29.5 million.
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Cardiac auscultation is one of the most important steps in the examination of cardiovascular system. This article is a list of some important tips on cardiac auscultation.
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Apex beat is the palpable cardiac impulse. It is also defined as the lowermost and outermost (most lateral and most inferior) prominent cardiac pulsation. Examination of this cardiac impulse can give valuable inputs into the diagnosis of cardiac disease.
Normal location:
It is normally located in the left fifth intercostal space, about 1 centimeter medial to the mid-clavicular line.
In children less than 7 years of age, the apex beat is located in the 4th intercostal space, lateral to the mid-clavicular line. |
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Powerpoint templates are available on this site at the downloads section. This article answers a few simple questions about PowerPoint Templates. |
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