HESI RN Exit Exam Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam related questions and content

After placing a stethoscope as seen in the picture, the nurse auscultates S1 and S2 heart sounds. To determine if an S3 heart sound is present, what action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Slide the stethoscope across the sternum.
  • B. Move the stethoscope to the mitral site.
  • C. Listen with the bell at the same location.
  • D. Observe the cardiac telemetry monitor.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse uses the bell of the stethoscope to hear low-pitched sounds such as S3 and S4. To determine if an S3 heart sound is present, the nurse should listen at the same location using the bell first. This allows for the accurate identification of low-pitched sounds. Moving the stethoscope across the sternum (Choice A) or to the mitral site (Choice B) would not be the initial actions to assess for an S3 heart sound. Observing the cardiac telemetry monitor (Choice D) is not relevant for assessing S3 heart sounds, as it does not provide direct auscultation of heart sounds.