Author Question: When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows that the S1: a. Is louder than the S2 at the base ... (Read 50 times)

hbsimmons88 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When listening to heart sounds, the nurse knows that the S1:

a. Is louder than the S2 at the base of the heart.
b. Indicates the beginning of diastole.
c. Coincides with the carotid artery pulse.
d. Is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves.

Question 2

During an inspection of the precordium of an adult patient, the nurse notices the chest moving in a forceful manner along the sternal border. This finding most likely suggests a(n):

a. Normal heart.
b. Systolic murmur.
c. Enlargement of the left ventricle.
d. Enlargement of the right ventricle.

pallen55 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The S1 coincides with the carotid artery pulse, is the start of systole, and is louder than the S2 at the apex of the heart; the S2 is louder than the S1 at the base. The nurse should gently feel the carotid artery pulse while auscultating at the apex; the sound heard as each pulse is felt is the S1.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Normally, the examiner may or may not see an apical impulse; when visible, it occupies the fourth or fifth intercostal space at or inside the midclavicular line. A heave or lift is a sustained forceful thrusting of the ventricle during systole. It occurs with ventricular hypertrophy as a result of increased workload. A right ventricular heave is seen at the sternal border; a left ventricular heave is seen at the apex.