During an assessment, where would the nurse best auscultate for a tricuspid valve murmur?
second right intercostal space at the sternal border
fourth left intercostal space at the sternal border
Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
second left intercostal space at the sternal border
The Correct Answer is B
A. Second right intercostal space at the sternal border: This location is primarily used to auscultate the aortic valve. The second intercostal space on the right side corresponds to the aortic area, where sounds related to aortic valve closure and potential murmurs can be best heard. Therefore, this location is not appropriate for assessing tricuspid valve murmurs.
B. Fourth left intercostal space at the sternal border: This is the correct location to auscultate the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the best location to hear any associated murmurs is at the left lower sternal border, specifically around the fourth intercostal space. Murmurs due to tricuspid regurgitation or stenosis would be detected most clearly here.
C. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line: This location is primarily associated with the mitral valve, which is situated at the apex of the heart. While some left-sided heart murmurs may be faintly heard in this area, it is not the optimal location for assessing the tricuspid valve. Therefore, it does not serve as the best choice for detecting tricuspid murmurs.
D. Second left intercostal space at the sternal border: This location is typically used to auscultate the pulmonic valve, which is situated at the left side of the heart, above the left ventricle. Although the pulmonic area is important in heart assessments, it is not relevant for identifying tricuspid valve murmurs, making this choice unsuitable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Mitral and pulmonic: The mitral valve closure is best heard at the apex of the heart (the left fifth intercostal space) rather than at the base. The pulmonic valve is indeed located near the base but, combined with the mitral valve, does not represent the sounds best heard at the base of the heart.
B. Aortic and pulmonic: The aortic and pulmonic valves are located at the base of the heart. The aortic valve is located in the right second intercostal space at the sternal border, while the pulmonic valve is located in the left second intercostal space. The closure of these valves (S2) is typically loudest at this area, making this option correct.
C. Mitral and tricuspid: The mitral valve is best heard at the apex, and the tricuspid valve is best heard along the left lower sternal border. Both valves are not located at the base of the heart.
D. Tricuspid and aortic: The tricuspid valve is not located at the base of the heart; it is situated along the left lower sternal border, while the aortic valve is at the base. Therefore, this combination does not represent the best valves to listen for at the base.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. MMSE: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is primarily used to assess cognitive function and screen for dementia. While it can provide some information about a patient's cognitive status, it is not specifically designed to evaluate mood disorders or depressive symptoms.
B. PHQ9: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used screening tool specifically designed to assess the severity of depression. It consists of nine questions related to the patient's mood, interest in activities, sleep patterns, and other symptoms of depression, making it an appropriate choice for further evaluation in this case.
C. GAD7: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is used to assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder. While anxiety and depression can be related, the GAD-7 is not the best tool for evaluating the depressed mood reported by the patient.
D. Delirium Screening Tool: This tool is used to assess for delirium, which is an acute confusion state typically seen in hospitalized patients or those with significant medical issues. It is not applicable in evaluating depressive symptoms in a young adult.
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