While auscultating a patient's heart rate the nurse hears scratching sounds. What is most likely causing this sound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scratching sounds heard while auscultating a patient's heart rate are most likely caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition known as pericarditis. This inflammation can lead to the production of a friction rub sound as the heart moves within the inflamed pericardial layers.

While Auscultating a Patient's Heart Rate the Nurse Hears Scratching