Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

You are performing a cardiac examination on a patient with shortness of breath and palpitations. You listen to the heart with the patient sitting upright, then have him change to a supine position, and finally have him turn onto his left side in the left lateral decubitus position. Which of the following valvular defects is best heard in this position?

  • A. Aortic
  • B. Pulmonic
  • C. Mitral
  • D. Tricuspid
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitral valve defect. This is because the mitral valve is best heard in the left lateral decubitus position. In this position, the heart rotates, bringing the mitral valve closer to the chest wall, making it easier to auscultate any abnormalities such as murmurs. Aortic (A), pulmonic (B), and tricuspid (D) valve defects are not typically better heard in the left lateral decubitus position, so they are incorrect choices.