Chapter 3: Pulse and Respiration

Finding the Error Activity: Infant Apical Pulse – Answer

As per Figure 3.11, an incorrect technique is being demonstrated because the stethoscope is placed on the incorrect side of the chest. The correct technique (Figure 3.12) to auscultate the apical pulse of an infant is to place the stethoscope at the left midclavicular line in the fourth intercostal space.

  Incorrect placement of stethoscope

Healthcare provider incorrectly placed the stethoscope at the right mid-clavicular line

Figure 3.11: Incorrect placement of stethoscope

  Correct placement of stethoscope

While taking the apical pulse of an infant, place the stethoscope at the fourth intercostal space at the left mid-clavicular line.

Healthcare provide correctly placed the stethoscope at the fourth intercostal space at the left mid-clavicular line

Figure 3.12: Correct placement of stethoscope

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Vital Sign Measurement Across the Lifespan - 1st Canadian edition Copyright © 2018 by Ryerson University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.