Hypertension (OSCE)

Assessment of Hypertension

Goals edit

  • identify end organ damage
  • identify signs of secondary hypertension

Differential edit

Vitals edit

  • standard vitals
  • weight and height (BMI)

Inspection edit

  • Neck:
    • thyroid
    • JVP
  • Skin
    • Cushing’s (striae, acne, hirsutism)
    • pheochromocytoma (clammy, diaphoretic)
    • arterial insufficiency (skin, hair changes)

Palpation edit

  • Point of maximum impulse (PMI)- diffuse
  • peripheral pulses (symmetric)
  • radiofemoral delay

Auscultation edit

  • carotid bruit
  • pulmonary edema
  • S4 gallop, murmurs
  • bruits (abdominal, renal, femoral)


Fundoscopic exam edit

  • Grade 1 - spasm of retinal vessels
  • Grade 2 - constriction retinal arterioles, AV nicking
  • Grade 3 - vascular changes, hemorrhage, exudates
  • Grade 4 - papilledema

External link edit

Other OSCE modules edit