The nurse is auscultating heart sounds on a client and hears an extra sound late in diastole, just before the S1. How should the nurse document this finding?

The third heart sound (S3)

A friction rub

The fourth heart sound (S4)

A split second heart sound S2

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The third heart sound (S3):

The third heart sound (S3) is an abnormal heart sound that occurs during early diastole, immediately after S2 (the second heart sound). It is caused by the rapid filling of the ventricles and is often associated with conditions like heart failure. In heart failure, the ventricles become stiff, causing vibrations that produce the S3 sound.

B. A friction rub:

A friction rub is a high-pitched, scratchy sound heard during both systole and diastole. It is caused by the rubbing together of inflamed pericardial layers (pericarditis) and is usually heard best at the left lower sternal border. Friction rubs can indicate pericardial inflammation and are often heard in conditions such as pericarditis or after a myocardial infarction.

C. The fourth heart sound (S4):

The fourth heart sound (S4) occurs late in diastole, just before S1, and is caused by atrial contraction. It is associated with increased resistance to ventricular filling, often due to conditions like hypertension or aortic stenosis. The S4 sound is heard as a low-pitched "atrial gallop."

D. A split second heart sound S2:

The second heart sound (S2) represents the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves. Normally, S2 has two components: A2 (aortic valve closure) and P2 (pulmonic valve closure). A split S2 occurs when A2 and P2 do not close simultaneously. A physiological split S2 is common during inspiration and occurs due to delayed closure of the pulmonic valve. An abnormal or fixed split S2 can indicate underlying heart conditions such as atrial septal defect (ASD) or right bundle branch block (RBBB).

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Listening for all possible sounds at a time at each specified area: This approach does not allow for specific localization of different heart sounds and murmurs, making it difficult to accurately assess the heart's condition.

B. Listening to the sounds at the aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, and mitral areas: This option is close but lacks the systematic approach of method D. Listening at specific anatomical locations (aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral) is important, but the Z pattern allows for thorough coverage and precise localization of any abnormal sounds.

C. Listening to the sounds only at the site where the apical pulse is felt to be the strongest: This method does not cover all the important auscultation sites on the heart and may miss significant findings.

D. Listening by inching the stethoscope in a rough Z pattern, from the base of the heart across and down, then over to the apex: This technique involves a systematic approach where the nurse listens at specific locations in a structured manner, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the heart sounds and murmurs.

A. Checks the instrument gauge to ensure the reading starts at zero B. Centers the cuff bladder over the client's brachial artery C. Places the client's arm above the level of the client's heart D. Wraps the blood pressure cuff around the client's arm using firm pressure

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Checks the instrument gauge to ensure the reading starts at zero:

This action is correct. Before taking a blood pressure reading, it's essential to ensure that the instrument's gauge starts at zero. This ensures accurate measurement as the reading reflects the pressure above zero.

B. Centers the cuff bladder over the client's brachial artery:

This action is correct. Proper placement of the blood pressure cuff over the brachial artery is crucial for accurate readings. Centering the cuff ensures that the artery is correctly compressed for measurement.

C. Places the client's arm above the level of the client's heart:

This action is incorrect. Placing the arm above heart level can result in a falsely low blood pressure reading. The arm should be at the same level as the heart to obtain an accurate measurement.

D. Wraps the blood pressure cuff around the client's arm using firm pressure:

This action is correct, but it's important to note that while the cuff should be snug, it should not be too tight or too loose. Wrapping the cuff with firm, even pressure ensures proper compression of the artery for an accurate measurement.

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The nurse is auscultating heart sounds on a client and hears an extra sound late in diastole, just before the S1. How should the nurse document this finding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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