Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Malignant hypertension physical examination
Introduction
Physical examination
Physical examination
Vital Signs
- Blood pressure must be checked in both arms to screen for aortic dissection or coarctation.
- Orthostatic vital signs
Eyes
- A funduscopic examination may reveal silver wiring (Grade I retinopathy), AV nipping (Grade II) flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, soft exudates (Grade III), or papilledema (Grade IV)
Head and Neck
- Examination of jugular veins
- Carotid bruits
Heart
- Third or fourth heart sound or murmurs.
Lungs
Abdomen
- Renal bruits
- Assessment of liver size
Extremities
Neurologic
- Focal neurologic signs
- Focal signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage, infarct, or the presence of a mass.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]