A 70-year-old patient with a history of hypertension has a blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg and a heart rate of 90 beats per minute. The nurse hears an extra heart sound at the apex immediately before the S₁. The sound is heard only with the bell of the stethoscope while the patient is in the left lateral position. Based on these findings and the patient's history, the nurse should recognize this extra heart sound is most likely what?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A pathologic S₄ is termed an atrial gallop or an S₄ gallop. It occurs with decreased compliance of the ventricle and with systolic overload (afterload), including outflow obstruction to the ventricle (aortic stenosis) and systemic hypertension. A left-sided S₄ occurs with these conditions and is heard best at the apex with the patient in the left lateral position.

A 70-Year-Old Patient with a History of Hypertension Has a Blood