HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

An S3 heart sound is auscultated in a client in her third trimester of pregnancy. What intervention should the nurse take?

  • A. Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram
  • B. Document in the client's record
  • C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
  • D. Assess for signs of heart failure
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: An S3 heart sound is often a normal finding in pregnant women due to increased blood volume and cardiac output. The nurse should document the finding as part of the routine assessment unless accompanied by other abnormal symptoms. Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram (Choice A) is unnecessary for a normal S3 heart sound in pregnancy. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice C) is premature and may lead to unnecessary interventions. Assessing for signs of heart failure (Choice D) is not indicated as an isolated S3 heart sound is typically benign in pregnancy.