Assessment of the Heart and Peripheral Vasculature

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Where is the heart located in the thoracic cavity?

Between the lungs (correct)

In the abdominal cavity

At the base of the neck

Beneath the diaphragm

Which chamber of the heart pumps blood to the lungs for gas exchange?

Left atrium

Right ventricle (correct)

Right atrium

Left ventricle

What is the function of the superior vena cava?

Returns blood to the right atrium from the upper torso (correct)

Carries blood to the rest of the body

Pumps blood to the lungs

Delivers deoxygenated blood to the left atrium

The size of the heart is approximately equivalent to:

A clenched fist Signup and view all the answers

Which vessels carry blood directly away from the heart?

Pulmonary artery and aorta Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the left side of the heart?

Pumps blood to all other parts of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is inspected when assessing the heart using palpation?

Apical impulse Signup and view all the answers

Why might the apical impulse not be palpable in some clients?

Obese clients or clients with large breasts Signup and view all the answers

What might an enlarged ventricle from an overload of work lead to?

Increased apical impulse Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for heart rate when auscultating the heart?

60-100 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What might an irregular heart rhythm indicate during auscultation of the heart?

Reduced cardiac output Signup and view all the answers

Why should pulsations other than the apical pulsation be evaluated during heart inspection?

To detect abnormal heaves or lifts Signup and view all the answers

Where is the aortic area located?

2nd ICS at the right sternal border Signup and view all the answers

What is the position recommended for auscultating all areas of the precordium?

Supine with the upper trunk elevated 30 degrees Signup and view all the answers

Which area is known as Erb's point?

3rd to 5th ICS at the left sternal border Signup and view all the answers

Why should the diaphragm be applied firmly during auscultation?

To hear high-pitched sounds better Signup and view all the answers

What may tachycardia indicate?

Weak heart muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pain may be related to cardiac chest pain?

Chest pain radiating to the left shoulder and down the left arm or to the jaw Signup and view all the answers