Basic Learning Objectives

The basic learning objectives are designed to be covered in an introductory, preclinical physical diagnosis course, generally by 1st and/or 2nd year medical school students.
Basic learning objectives should be mastered before moving onto advanced learning objectives.
  1. Know the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart.
  2. Become familiar with the terminology related to a history and physical of the heart.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of typical history questions associated with:
    1. Chest pain
    2. Cyanosis (turning blue)
    3. Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
    4. Edema (dependent - i.e. gravity edema)
    5. Fainting (syncope)
    6. Fatigue
    7. General
    8. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
    9. Irregular heart beat
  4. Demonstrate the following aspects of the physical exam:
    1. Inspection for evidence of cardiac contraction and point of maximal impact (PMI).
    2. Palpation of PMI, describing location, size, character, as well as the presence of lifts and thrills.
    3. Percussion of the heart.
    4. Be able to demonstrate correct use of the diaphragm and bell.
    5. Identify and describe rate and rhythm patterns including regular rate and rhythm (normal), regularly irregular rhythm, and irregularly irregular rhythm.
    6. Identify and describe normal S1, split S1, S2, and split S2 heart sounds.
    7. Auscultation in the recumbent of all 4 precordial areas of the heart.
  5. Describe the precordial location and timing of murmurs and other heard sounds due to:
    1. aortic stenosis
    2. functional (innocent) murmur
    3. mitral insufficiency/prolapse/regurgitation
(14 February 2000)
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