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

Question

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The PMI should be felt at the intersection of the 5th intercostal space and the left 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