HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

After placing a stethoscope to auscultate S1 and S2 heart sounds, what should the nurse do to check for an S3 heart sound?

  • A. Switch to the diaphragm of the stethoscope to hear any abnormal sounds
  • B. Listen with the bell of the stethoscope at the same location
  • C. Listen at a different location over the aortic area
  • D. Switch to the apical area and reassess for S3 sounds
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To assess for an S3 heart sound, the nurse should listen with the bell of the stethoscope. An S3 heart sound is often low-pitched and best heard with the bell. Choice A is incorrect because switching to the diaphragm is not ideal for detecting low-pitched sounds like an S3. Choice C is incorrect as the S3 heart sound is best heard over the apex of the heart, not the aortic area. Choice D is incorrect because moving to the apical area is appropriate, but the nurse should specifically use the bell of the stethoscope to listen for S3 sounds.