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
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).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have the client breathe quickly:
This choice is incorrect because having the client breathe quickly is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is assessed by feeling vibrations on the chest wall while the patient speaks, not during normal breathing.
B. Palpate the chest symmetrically:
This choice is correct. To assess tactile fremitus, the nurse places the palms or ulnar aspects of both hands firmly against the patient's chest while the patient speaks a phrase. The nurse should palpate the chest symmetrically to detect vibrations equally on both sides, which can help identify abnormalities in the lungs.
C. Ask the client to cough:
This choice is incorrect. Asking the client to cough is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is evaluated by feeling vibrations while the patient speaks, not while coughing.
D. Use the bell of the stethoscope:
This choice is incorrect. Tactile fremitus is assessed by palpation, not auscultation with a stethoscope. Using the bell of the stethoscope is a technique for listening to low-pitched sounds, not for assessing tactile fremitus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Auricle (Pinna):
The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the visible external part of the ear. It consists of movable cartilage and skin. When administering eardrops, pulling the auricle up and back helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter the ear effectively.
B. Mastoid Process:
The mastoid process is a bony prominence located behind the ear. It is not a part of the outer ear structure involved in administering eardrops.
C. Outer Meatus:
The outer meatus, also known as the external acoustic meatus or ear canal, is the tube-like structure leading from the auricle to the eardrum. It is the passage through which eardrops are administered. Pulling the auricle up and back helps to straighten the outer meatus for the proper administration of eardrops.
D. Concha:
The concha refers to the bowl-shaped depression next to the ear canal. While it is a part of the outer ear, pulling the concha is not a technique used for administering eardrops. The auricle, specifically, is manipulated to facilitate the process.
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