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 A
Explanation
A. Consists of two lobes.
This statement is correct. The left lung consists of two lobes: the upper lobe and the lower lobe. The right lung, not the left lung, has three lobes: upper, middle, and lower lobes.
B. Primarily consists of an upper lobe on the posterior chest.
This statement is not accurate. The upper lobe of the left lung is present in the anterior and posterior parts of the chest. It is not limited to the posterior chest.
C. Is shorter than the right lung because of the underlying stomach.
This statement is not correct. The left lung is not shorter due to the underlying stomach. The left lung is slightly smaller than the right lung to accommodate the space for the heart, but this size difference is not due to the stomach.
D. Is divided by the horizontal fissure.
This statement is not accurate. The left lung is not divided by the horizontal fissure. The horizontal fissure is a feature of the right lung, not the left lung. The left lung is divided by the oblique fissure into the upper and lower lobes

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings: This is the correct response. Tonsils in adults can have various appearances, and a granular appearance with deep crypts is within the range of normal. It's essential for the nurse to continue the assessment and observe for other signs or symptoms that might indicate an issue.
B. Refer the patient to a throat specialist: Referring the patient based solely on the appearance of the tonsils, especially if it's a normal variant, might be unnecessary and could cause undue concern for the patient. It's important to assess the patient comprehensively before considering a specialist referral.
C. No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils: This is the correct explanation. In adults, tonsils often appear granular with deep crypts, which is considered a normal variation. No further action is required regarding the tonsils.
D. Obtain a throat culture on the patient for possible streptococcal (strep) infection: Based on the description provided (involution, granular appearance, and deep crypts), there's no specific indication of a streptococcal infection. Conducting a throat culture should be based on the presence of specific symptoms and signs indicative of a streptococcal infection, such as sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with white patches, rather than just the appearance of the tonsils.

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