Cardiovascular assessment for home healthcare nurses. Part II: Assessing blood pressure and cardiac function.

In Part I of this two-part series on cardiovascular assessment, the author described basic components of physical assessment relating to cardiac assessment such as skin color, integrity and hydration, pulses, shortness of breath, edema, and weight changes. In Part II, the intricacies of accurate blood pressure measurement, central venous pressure measurement, and heart and lung auscultation are described. Medication management and documentation within the context of home healthcare are also discussed.