Home › CNA Practice Tests › Basic Nursing Skills Questions › Question 30
Where should the stethoscope be placed to hear the apical pulse?
- A.On the right side of the neck below the ear
- B.On the left side of the chest, below the nipple line area
- C.On the inner wrist on the thumb side only
- D.On the abdomen just above the navel area
Correct answer
B. On the left side of the chest, below the nipple line area
Why
The apical pulse is heard with a stethoscope over the apex of the heart on the left side of the chest, roughly below the left nipple. The wrist site is for the radial pulse, which is felt rather than heard.
Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs: Pulse · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-030).