A nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on a healthy client. In which of the following anatomical landmarks would the nurse expect to palpate the client’s Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI)?
A.
Left fourth intercostal space at the sternal border.
B.
Left third intercostal space at the sternal border.
C.
Left second intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
D.
Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
The correct answer is:
D. Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Explanation: The Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) is the location on the chest where the heart’s apex beat is most strongly felt. In a healthy adult, the PMI is typically palpated at the left fifth intercostal space along the midclavicular line. This is where the apex of the heart, specifically the left ventricle, comes closest to the chest wall during systole (heart contraction).
The other options are incorrect:
- A. The left fourth intercostal space at the sternal border is not the typical location for the PMI.
- B. The left third intercostal space at the sternal border is also not the usual location for palpating the PMI.
- C. The left second intercostal space at the midclavicular line is too high to be the site of the PMI, as this space corresponds to the base of the heart, not the apex.