A nurse is performing a cardiac assessment. Identify where the nurse should place the stethoscope to auscultate the client's apical pulse. (You will find hot spots to select in the artwork below. Select only the hot spot that corresponds to your answer.)
right upper sternal border
left upper sternal border
left lower sternal border
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
The Correct Answer is {"xRanges":[234.765625,254.765625],"yRanges":[107.609375,127.609375]}
A. The right upper sternal border is not the correct placement for auscultating the apical pulse. This location is more appropriate for assessing heart sounds related to the aortic valve.
B. The left upper sternal border is not the correct placement for auscultating the apical pulse.
This location is more appropriate for assessing heart sounds related to the pulmonic valve.
C. The left lower sternal border is not the correct placement for auscultating the apical pulse.
This location is more appropriate for assessing heart sounds related to the tricuspid valve.
D. 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line is the correct placement for auscultating the apical pulse. This location corresponds to the apex of the heart, which is where the apical pulse (also known as the point of maximum impulse or PMI) can be best heard.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is an important step, but it should come after the immediate action of washing the affected area.
B. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the initial step in managing a needlestick injury to minimize the risk of infection.
C. Going to employee health services is important for further assessment and follow-up, but it should be done after washing the area of the puncture.
D. Completing an incident report is an essential part of documenting the needlestick injury, but it is a secondary step that should be taken after the initial action of washing the area.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) The dorsal surface of the foot is not the most reliable site to assess for cyanosis in individuals with dark skin because the skin pigmentation can mask the bluish tint that indicates reduced oxygenation.
B) Similarly, the dorsal surface of the hand may not clearly show cyanosis due to the thickness and pigmentation of the skin, which can obscure the color change.
C) The pinnae of the ears may also not be the best indicator of cyanosis in dark-skinned individuals because peripheral areas like the ears can be affected by environmental temperatures, leading to misleading color changes.
D) The conjunctivae, however, are a mucous membrane where the skin pigmentation does not affect visibility. Therefore, it is an appropriate site for assessing cyanosis as it allows for the observation of subtle changes in color that indicate hypoxia. This is why the conjunctivae are the correct site to examine for cyanosis in a client with dark skin.
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