CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide is asked to check a resident's apical pulse. Where should the stethoscope be placed?
- AOn the wrist at the base of the thumb
- BAt the fifth intercostal space, left of the sternum, at the midclavicular line
- COn the top of the foot near the ankle
- DOn the neck beside the trachea
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. At the fifth intercostal space, left of the sternum, at the midclavicular line
The apical pulse is measured by listening directly over the apex of the heart with a stethoscope, located at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This location is used for the radial pulse, not apical.
- C. This location is used for the pedal (dorsalis pedis) pulse.
- D. This location is for the carotid pulse.
Apical Pulse Location
The apical pulse is heard using a stethoscope over the apex of the heart, at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line.
- Measured with a stethoscope, not fingers
- Used for infants, children, and residents with irregular pulses
- Counted for a full 60 seconds
Memory trick: 'Apex is under the left breast, count a full minute test.'