A nursing assistant is instructed to obtain an apical pulse. Where should the nursing assistant place the stethoscope to obtain this reading?
- A.At the radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist
- B.Over the carotid artery on the right side of the neck
- C.At the 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
- D.Over the brachial artery at the antecubital fossa
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
C. At the 5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
Rationale
C is correct: The apical pulse is auscultated at the apex of the heart, located at the 5th intercostal space along the left midclavicular line (the point of maximal impulse or PMI). This is the standard location for apical pulse measurement with a stethoscope. A is incorrect: The radial artery is used for a radial pulse, a peripheral pulse measurement. B is incorrect: The carotid artery is used for the carotid pulse, typically assessed in emergencies. D is incorrect: The brachial artery at the antecubital fossa is the site used for blood pressure measurement and brachial pulse, not the apical pulse.
Key concepts