Physical examination for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
Many times when a person is diagnosed with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), he or she is already in the hospital because the flu-like symptoms have gotten worse quickly. The physical examination for HPS will include:
- Checking your breathing rate for rapid breathing, which may be more than 20 breaths per minute.
- Listening to your heart for an increased heart rate, which may be 120 beats or more per minute.
- Measuring your temperature, which may be 38.5°C (101°F) or higher.
- Taking your blood pressure, which may be lower than normal.
- Listening to your lungs for sounds that indicate the presence of fluid (pulmonary edema).
- Checking your abdomen for tenderness.
- Examining your skin for temperature and colour. Your skin may be cool, clammy, or mottled.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: May 7, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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