The nurse is assessing the heart sounds of a client. The nurse understands that to listen to the pulmonic valve, the stethoscope should be placed where?

A. When bronchial breath sounds are auscultated in the trachea.

Auscultating bronchial breath sounds in the trachea is a normal finding, as the trachea is close to the upper airway, and this is where bronchial sounds are normally heard. However, if these sounds are heard in the peripheral lung fields, it can indicate an abnormal condition.

B. When the client is experiencing excessive sneezing from a tree pollen allergy.

Excessive sneezing due to allergies would not typically result in increased breath sounds. Allergies may cause nasal congestion, but they don't directly lead to increased breath sounds.

C. When the client is resting in bed and not experiencing respiratory issues.

If a client is at rest and not experiencing any respiratory issues, breath sounds should typically be normal. There would be no reason to expect increased breath sounds in this scenario.

D. When the bronchial tree is obstructed by secretions.

Increased breath sounds, such as wheezing or rhonchi, can be auscultated when there is an obstruction in the bronchial tree due to secretions, narrowing of the airways, or other causes. These sounds are typically abnormal and indicate an issue with air movement through the airways.

A. Fifth intercostal space, left of the midclavicular line: This placement is used to auscultate the mitral valve, which is best heard at the apex of the heart. The mitral valve sounds are typically heard around the fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.

B. Left lower sternal border: This placement is used to auscultate the tricuspid valve, which is best heard at the lower left sternal border.

C. Second left intercostal space: This is the correct placement for auscultating the pulmonic valve. The pulmonic valve sounds are best heard at the second left intercostal space, which is close to the upper left sternal border.

D. Second right intercostal space: This placement is used to auscultate the aortic valve, which is best heard at the second right intercostal space, close to the upper right sternal border.