Question

The following murmur/findings on cardiac auscultation should always lead to referral for further evaluation:

a) Innocent murmur
b) Systolic ejection murmur
c) Continuous machinery-like murmur
d) Physiologic split S2

Answer 1

A continuous machinery-like murmur on cardiac auscultation always leads to a referral for further evaluation. Innocent murmurs and physiologic split S2 are typically benign, while a systolic ejection murmur can be normal or abnormal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is about which types of heart murmurs or cardiac findings should always lead to a referral for further evaluation. During cardiac auscultation, various sounds can be detected that may indicate underlying heart conditions. Different types of murmurs include innocent murmurs, which are usually harmless, and systolic ejection murmurs, which could be normal or indicative of heart disease. A continuous machinery-like murmur is characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus and warrants a referral. The presence of a physiologic split S2 is typically a normal finding and not a concern. It is important for healthcare professionals to distinguish between these sounds to determine when further investigation is needed.