Question

When locating Erb's point to hear aortic and pulmonic sounds, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the:

A. fifth intercostal space near the midclavicular line.
B. fith intercostal space along the left sternal border.
C. second intercostal space at the left sternal border.
D. third intercostal space at the left sternal border.

Answer 1

To locate Erb's point and hear aortic and pulmonic sounds, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the second intercostal space at the left sternal border.

Step-by-step explanation:

When locating Erb's point to hear aortic and pulmonic sounds, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the second intercostal space at the left sternal border. This is the optimal location for auscultating the heart sounds because it is where the aortic valve and pulmonic valve are best heard. Placing the stethoscope at this location allows the nurse to accurately assess these important cardiac sounds.