What it means
When a person lies flat, neck veins often fill; when they sit partly up, the veins should flatten. Veins that stay swollen above the collarbone at that angle show raised pressure in the right side of the heart. It is seen with fluid overload, right-sided heart failure and conditions that squeeze the heart.
For the nurse
Raise the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees, turn the client's head slightly away, and look at the neck in good side lighting. Report new or increasing distention.
In a chart
"JVD noted at 45 degrees; crackles in both bases."
At a glance
| Also written | JVD, jugular venous distention, jugular venous distension, jugular vein distension |
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Related terms
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
central venous pressure
The blood pressure in the large vein near the heart's right atrium, measured through a central line.
jugular vein
One of the large veins on each side of the neck that carry blood from the head back toward the heart.
fluid overload
Too much fluid in the body, in the blood vessels and the tissues.