Question

During auscultation of S2, a split is heard that does not change during inspiration. Based on this, the nurse should suspect:

a. a normal finding referred to as physiologic splitting
b. mitral valve prolapse
c. that no anatomic cardiac defect exists, but that a physiologic abnormality such as anemia is likely to be present
d. fixed splitting, which can be a diagnostic sign of atrial septic defect

Answer 1

The nurse should suspect a normal finding called physiologic splitting when a split in S2 is heard that does not change during inspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a normal, healthy heart, there are two audible heart sounds: S1 and S2. S1 is the sound of the closing of the atrioventricular valves during ventricular contraction, while S2 is the sound of the closing of the semilunar valves during ventricular diastole. In the case described, where a split in S2 is heard that does not change during inspiration, the nurse should suspect a normal finding called physiologic splitting. This occurs when there is a slight delay in the closing of the aortic valve compared to the pulmonic valve, resulting in a split sound that is more noticeable during inspiration.