Patient CareQuestion 23 of 100
Where is the apical pulse best auscultated with a stethoscope?
a.Over the carotid artery in the neck
b.At the wrist on the thumb side
c.At the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
d.At the antecubital fossa of the arm
Explanation
The apical pulse is heard over the apex of the heart, located at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line. It is counted for a full 60 seconds and is the most accurate site for patients with irregular rhythms. The carotid and radial sites are palpated, not auscultated for apical rate.
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