Question

describe how you assess jugular vein distention

Answer 1

Distention of a jugular vein is called jugular vein distention. Jugular venous pressure is the sign that indicate elevated central venous pressure. The jugular venous distention indicates the heart diseases and other heart problems. Main causes of Jugular venous distention are: Right sided heart failure, Pulmonary hypertension, constrictive pericarditis, Tricuspid valve stenosis, Superior venacava obstruction etc.

●Assessment:

* The hieght of the distension or the bulge of the Jugular vein is measured.

*Preferably the observer should stand at the right side and assess the jugular venous distention . Only choose the left side if the right side vein is not visible

* 1. Patient is placed in supine position with head end elevated at 45 degree (semifowlers position)

* 2. Patients head is slightly turned to the side

* 3. Detect the highest point of pulsation on the jugular distended point .

* 4 The maximum distended point is assesed or observed. Then place a straight object rod or a scale horizontally towards the chest.

*5. place a ruler which has measurement on it , place over the sternal notch vertically

*6. Measure the level where the horizontal rod touches the ruler . And that is the jugular venous distention.

* The normal value of a jugular venous distention in normal patients are less than 3 cm .

● Additional tests can be conducted only if the doctor prescribes for the confirmatlon of heart disease

* The physical examination ( auscultation of heart mumer)

* echocardiogram

* electeocardiogram

* kidney liver and thyroid functions