The nurse is preparing to auscultate for heart sounds on a client. Which of the following technique should be used by the nurse?
Listening for all possible sounds at a time at each specified area.
Listening to the sounds at the aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, and mitral areas.
Listening to the sounds only at the site where the apical pulse is felt to be the strongest.
Listening by inching the stethoscope in a rough Z pattern, from the base of the heart across and down, then over to the apex.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
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 C
Explanation
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.
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