The client’s apical pulse will be taken by a student. According to the

The client’s apical pulse will be taken by a student. According to the nurse the stethoscope should be placed along the left clavicular line at the:

1. Second to third intercostal space
2. Third to fourth intercostal space
3. Fourth to fifth intercostal space
4. Fifth to sixth intercostal space

ANSWER

ANS: 3
An apical pulse should be assessed at the client’s PMI. The PMI is located at the fourth to fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line. Second to third intercostals space is not the correct placement for auscultating a client’s apical pulse. The PMI is higher and more medial in children under 8 years old, thus the third to fourth is incorrect. The client is not identified as being a child.
Fifth to sixth is not the correct placement for auscultating a client’s apical pulse.