During a physical examination of a patient, the nurse palpates the PMI in the sixth intercostal space lateral to the midclavicular line. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take next will be to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The PMI should be felt at the intersection of the 5th intercostal space and the midclavicular line. A PMI located outside these landmarks indicates possible cardiac enlargement, such as with left ventricular hypertrophy. Cardiac enlargement is not necessarily associated with coronary or carotid artery disease.

During a Physical Examination of a Patient, the Nurse Palpates