Question

The nurse notes that the client's apical pulse is displaced to the left. What conclusion can be drawn from this assessment?

a. This is a normal finding.
b. The heart is hypertrophied.
c. The left ventricle is contracted.
d. The client has pulsus alternans.

Answer 1

A left displaced apical pulse can indicate an enlargement or hypertrophy of the heart, particularly the left ventricle. It may reflect a condition such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or the effects of chronic high blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the nurse notes that a client's apical pulse is displaced to the left, this suggests that there may be an enlargement or hypertrophy of the heart, particularly the left ventricle. A normally positioned apical pulse can indicate that the heart has its typical size and shape. However, if the pulse is found to be displaced to the left, it can be a sign that the heart has enlarged to the point where it has moved from its usual position, which could be indicative of several conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or longstanding high blood pressure causing the left ventricle to work harder and, consequently, enlarge.