The nurse is performing a cardiac assessment on a 70-year-old client admitted with hypertension.The nurse determines that the apical impulse can be palpated in an area 2 cm in diameter at the point of maximal impulse.The nurse suspects that the client may have developed which of the following problems?

Question

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The palpable apical impulse in an area greater than 1-2 cm in diameter may indicate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is a common complication of hypertension. Aortic stenosis would typically have a smaller or absent apical impulse. Right ventricular volume overload and an enlarged left atrium would not typically present with a palpable apical impulse.

The Nurse Is Performing a Cardiac Assessment on a 70-Year-Old