The Renal Examination

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The renal examination may provide clues as to the cause and complications of a patient's renal dysfunction. Fluid balance is often difficult in renal failure patients and the examination can be used to assess current fluid status. The renal exam may also suggest the type of treatment the patient is receiving, whether it be via a fistula, vascath or peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Signs of chronic kidney disease

The Patient

The Hands

The Arms

The Face

The Neck

The Chest

Auscultate Each Area
Aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral areas, axilla
Listen for Heart Sounds
S1 + S2, S3 / S4
Listen for Murmurs
Listen while palpating radial pulse, maneuvres
Listen for Pericardial Rub
Superficial, scratching sound

The Back

The Abdomen

The Legs

On this page: The Patient The Hands The Arms The Face The Neck The Chest The Back The Abdomen The Legs

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