A review of the medical record reveals that a patient has a grade IV/VI cardiac murmur. The nurse would expect which findings upon assessment? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected

Question

Select all that apply. 1. A murmur that is audible with the stethoscope barely touching the chest wall
2. A very soft, barely audible murmur
3. A loud murmur
4. A softly palpable thrill
5. No appreciable vibration

Answer 1

3,4
Rationale 1: A murmur that can be heard with the stethoscope barely touching the chest wall is grade V/VI.
Rationale 2: A very soft, barely audible murmur is grade I/VI.
Rationale 3: Grade IV/VI murmurs are loud.
Rationale 4: Grade IV/VI murmurs present a softly palpable thrill.
Rationale 5: Loud murmurs with no vibration or thrill are grade III/VI.