Abstract
Rationale and key points
This article aims to improve nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the procedure for auscultating heart sounds in adults, as part of a cardiovascular examination. It focuses on auscultating normal heart sounds; it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss the pathophysiology of abnormal findings.
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A stethoscope is used to auscultate for heart sounds. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used to identify high-pitched sounds, while the bell is used to identify low-pitched sounds.
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There are two normal heart sounds that should be elicited in auscultation: S1 (lub) and S2 (dub).
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The practitioner should listen over each of the four main heart valve areas: the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valve areas. They should also listen for any additional sounds such as clicks, and heart murmurs.
This article aims to improve nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the procedure for auscultating heart sounds in adults, as part of a cardiovascular examination. It focuses on auscultating normal heart sounds; it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss the pathophysiology of abnormal findings.
»
A stethoscope is used to auscultate for heart sounds. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used to identify high-pitched sounds, while the bell is used to identify low-pitched sounds.
»
There are two normal heart sounds that should be elicited in auscultation: S1 (lub) and S2 (dub).
»
The practitioner should listen over each of the four main heart valve areas: the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valve areas. They should also listen for any additional sounds such as clicks, and heart murmurs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 41-43 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Nursing Standard |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 27 Sept 2017 |
Keywords
- auscultation
- cardiac assessment
- cardiovascular examination
- clinical skills