Share your insights

Help us by sharing what content you've recieved in your exams


Paediatric cardiac examination

Do a full adult cardiac examination with the following additional components.

General

  • Dysmorphic features 
    • Down’s, Williams and DiGeorge syndromes associated with congenital heart disease
    • Turner syndrome associated with AS
    • Noonan syndrome associated with PS
  • Work of breathing
  • Colour (pallor, cyanosis, mottling) 
  • Alertness and interest in surroundings
  • Nutritional status
 <1 year1-2 years2-5 years5-12 years>12 years
Resp rate30-4025-3525-3020-2515-20
Heart rate110-160100-15095-14080-12060-100
Normal paediatric observations

Auscultation

  • Also auscultate in the following areas:
    • Left interscapular area (systolic murmur = coarctation of the aorta)
    • Left infraclavicular area (systolic murmur = coarctation of the aorta; continuous machinery-like murmur = patent ductus arteriosus)

To complete

  • Observations including blood pressure
  • Preductal (right hand) and postductal (left hand or either foot) oxygen saturations to assess for critical congenital heart disease (both should be ≥95%)
  • Growth charts

Learn about the clinical features of congenital heart disease

Oops! This section is restricted to members. Click here to signup!

Try some viva questions you may be asked

What are the features of Tetralogy of Fallot?

Oops! This section is restricted to members. Click here to signup!

What are the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever?

Oops! This section is restricted to members. Click here to signup!

What is Ebstein’s abnormality?

Oops! This section is restricted to members. Click here to signup!

How does Kawasaki disease involve the heart? What is the initial management?

Oops! This section is restricted to members. Click here to signup!

No comments yet 😉

Leave a Reply