When auscultating the anterior thorax of a pregnant woman, the nurse notices the presence of a murmur over the second, third, and fourth intercostal spaces. The murmur is continuous but can be obliterated by pressure with the stethoscope or finger on the thorax just lateral to the murmur. How does the nurse interpret these findings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blood flow through the blood vessels, specifically the internal mammary artery, can often be heard over the second, third, and fourth intercostal spaces. This finding is called a mammary souffle, but it may be mistaken for a cardiac murmur. The other options are incorrect.

When Auscultating the Anterior Thorax of a Pregnant Woman, the Nurse