Question

during shift change report, the nurse receives report that a client has abnormal heart sounds. which placement of the stethoscope should the nurse use to hear the clients heart sounds?
a position the diaphragm of the stethoscope at erbs point on the chest.
b use the stethoscope bell over the valvular areas of the anterior chest.
c place the stethoscope bell in the middle of the posterior chest.
d move the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the left anterior chest.

Explanation:

Abnormal heart sounds (such as murmurs) are low-frequency sounds, which are best detected using the bell of a stethoscope. The valvular areas of the anterior chest are the standard locations to auscultate heart sounds, including abnormal ones, as they correspond to the projection points of the heart valves on the chest wall. The diaphragm is used for high-frequency normal heart sounds, and posterior chest placement is not the primary site for assessing valvular/abnormal heart sounds. Erb's point is one specific site but not the best general placement for abnormal sounds compared to targeting all valvular areas with the bell.

Answer:

B. Use the stethoscope bell over the valvular areas of the anterior chest.