Start with Questions
- Ask about chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or swelling.
Palpation – Point of Maximum Impulse (PMI / Mitral area)
- Normally found at 5th intercostal space, mid-clavicular line.
- ⚠️ If not palpable → incline patient to left lateral position.
Stethoscope Technique
- Start with diaphragm → high-pitched sounds (S1, S2, murmurs).
- Flip to bell → low-pitched sounds (S3, S4, mitral stenosis murmur).
Carotid Arteries
- Listen with the bell for bruits (low-pitched turbulent flow).
- Ask patient to hold breath so you don’t confuse with breath sound
💡 Tips to Remember
- Diaphragm = high sounds (lub-dub, murmurs).
- Bell = low sounds (extra heart sounds, bruits).
- Erb’s Point = best spot for murmurs.