When auscultating the chest of a 75-year-old patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction (MI), the nurse hears an S3 heart sound immediately following S₂. Because of these findings, the nurse would assess for which other condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An S3 heart sound heard in a patient post-MI is often indicative of heart failure, as it suggests decreased left ventricular compliance and/or increased end-diastolic pressure. The presence of an S3 sound can help clinicians identify early stages of heart failure and initiate interventions to improve the patient's outcomes. Extension of the MI or renal/liver failure is not necessarily indicated by the presence of an S3 sound.

When Auscultating the Chest of a 75-Year-Old Patient Who Recently