When performing a cardiovascular assessment, what would the nurse understand about an S3 heart sound? Select all that apply
Can be caused by a poorly compliant (stiff) ventricle
Can occur with congestive heart failure
Heard just after S1
Always pathologic
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. An S3 is often associated with a stiff or poorly compliant ventricle.
B. An S3 heart sound can be an indication of congestive heart failure in adults, as it reflects increased fluid volume and pressure in the ventricles.
C. S3 is heard just after S2, not S1.
D. The S3 heart sound is not always pathologic. It is often benign in children, adolescents, and young adults, where it may occur due to a rapid filling phase of the ventricles.
E. In adolescents and younger individuals, an S3 heart sound is usually considered a normal finding.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased lung sounds on expiration are common in COPD patients due to airway obstruction but do not necessarily indicate an acute issue.
B. Respirations are 40 breaths/minute is a critical finding, as this rapid respiratory rate suggests significant respiratory distress or worsening hypoxemia, which needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
C. An anterior-posterior diameter ratio of 1:1 (barrel chest) is a common finding in advanced COPD but does not indicate acute worsening.
D. Hyperresonance to percussion is typical in patients with COPD due to air trapping and does not suggest an immediate emergency.
E. Decreased tactile fremitus may occur in COPD due to increased air trapping but is not an urgent finding requiring immediate reporting.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Auscultate for any cardiac murmurs is correct, as a thrill often indicates turbulent blood flow, which may correlate with murmurs that can be heard upon auscultation.
B. Comparing apical and radial pulse rates is useful in assessing pulse deficits but does not directly address the cause of the thrill.
C. Palpating the quality of the peripheral pulses does not provide specific information about the thrill's origin.
D. Finding the point of maximal impulse is a useful cardiac assessment but does not directly explain the cause of the thrill.
E. Checking capillary refill time assesses peripheral perfusion but does not relate to the thrill's cause.