Final answer:
During auscultation, deep breathing can accentuate the murmur of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) by increasing blood flow and amplifying the heart murmurs. This technique aids in the detection and assessment of VSDs using a stethoscope.
Step-by-step explanation:
During auscultation, the clinician can accentuate the murmur of a VSD (ventricular septal defect) by asking the patient to breathe deeply. Inhalation increases blood flow into the right side of the heart, amplifying right-sided heart murmurs. Expiration partially restricts blood flow into the left side of the heart, amplifying left-sided heart murmurs. This procedure allows for better detection and assessment of the VSD using a stethoscope.