MBBS CVS Practical Examination – Master Viva
Guide
1. General Examination (What to Look For)
Pallor – paleness due to low hemoglobin; check conjunctiva, tongue, nail beds, palms.
Cyanosis – bluish discoloration due to increased deoxygenated hemoglobin (>5 g/dL).
Clubbing – bulbous enlargement of distal phalanx with loss of nail bed angle.
Pedal edema – pitting swelling due to right heart failure.
JVP – indirect measure of right atrial pressure.
2. Pulse Examination
First examine the radial pulse.
Assess: Rate, Rhythm, Volume, Character, Vessel wall, Radio■radial delay.
Normal pulse rate: 60–100/min.
Collapsing pulse – seen in aortic regurgitation.
Slow rising pulse – seen in aortic stenosis.
Irregularly irregular pulse – seen in atrial fibrillation.
3. Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure ≈ 120/80 mmHg.
Widened pulse pressure seen in aortic regurgitation.
Always measure BP in both arms if cardiovascular disease suspected.
4. Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP)
Patient position: 45° reclining.
Normal JVP: ≤3–4 cm above sternal angle.
Raised in right heart failure, constrictive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade.
5. Inspection of Precordium
Guide
1. General Examination (What to Look For)
Pallor – paleness due to low hemoglobin; check conjunctiva, tongue, nail beds, palms.
Cyanosis – bluish discoloration due to increased deoxygenated hemoglobin (>5 g/dL).
Clubbing – bulbous enlargement of distal phalanx with loss of nail bed angle.
Pedal edema – pitting swelling due to right heart failure.
JVP – indirect measure of right atrial pressure.
2. Pulse Examination
First examine the radial pulse.
Assess: Rate, Rhythm, Volume, Character, Vessel wall, Radio■radial delay.
Normal pulse rate: 60–100/min.
Collapsing pulse – seen in aortic regurgitation.
Slow rising pulse – seen in aortic stenosis.
Irregularly irregular pulse – seen in atrial fibrillation.
3. Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure ≈ 120/80 mmHg.
Widened pulse pressure seen in aortic regurgitation.
Always measure BP in both arms if cardiovascular disease suspected.
4. Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP)
Patient position: 45° reclining.
Normal JVP: ≤3–4 cm above sternal angle.
Raised in right heart failure, constrictive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade.
5. Inspection of Precordium
