The first step in the physical examination is an evaluation of the patient's general appearance. Our patient is a slender woman who is dyspneic at rest
Blood pressure
Let’s determine the patient’s blood pressure together placing the stethoscope over the brachial artery and observing the sphygmomanometer. We’ll listen together for the korotkoff sounds, as I reduce the pressure in the cuff. [Korotkoff sounds]
The patient’s blood pressure is 90/70, that is, the pulse pressure is reduced and the level is low.