A patient with uremic pericarditis has a friction rub. What is the best technique for the nurse to follow when auscultating the friction rub?
A) Position the patient supine and auscultate with the bell portion of the stethoscope.
B) Position the patient sitting up and learning forward and auscultate with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
C) Instruct the patient to stand upright and auscultate with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
D) Position the patient on his left side and auscultate with the bell portion of the stethoscope.
Ans: B
Feedback: A pericardial friction rub can be best heard using the diaphragm of the stethoscope, with the patient sitting up and leaning forward.
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