When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows the valve ...

[madam-professor]

When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows the valve closures that can be heard best at the base of the heart are:
 
  a. Mitral and tricuspid.
  b. Tricuspid and aortic.
  c. Aortic and pulmonic.
  d. Mitral and pulmonic.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. Which statement best describes what is meant by atrial kick?
 
  a. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
  b. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
  c. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
  d. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The second heart sound (S2) occurs with the closure of the semilunar (aortic and pulmonic) valves and signals the end of systole. Although it is heard over all the precordium, the S2 is loudest at the base of the heart.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Toward the end of diastole, the atria contract and push the last amount of blood (approximately 25 of stroke volume) into the ventricles. This active filling phase is called presystole, or atrial systole, or sometimes the atrial kick.

[madam-professor]

TYSM

[nothere]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it