What patient position is appropriate to assess heart murmurs?

What patient position is appropriate to assess heart murmurs?

• A. Dorsal recumbent
• B. Supine
• C. Left lateral recumbent
• D. Sims

Answer: (C)

Placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position brings the apex of the heart closer to the chest wall and increases venous return to the left ventricle. This makes left‑sided murmurs, especially those from the mitral valve (mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation), appear louder and easier to hear. The murmur is typically best heard at the left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. In other positions like supine or dorsal recumbent, the apex sits farther from the chest wall and murmur intensity can lessen, making detection harder. Sims is not used for heart murmur auscultation.

Placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus position brings the apex of the heart closer to the chest wall and increases venous return to the left ventricle. This makes left‑sided murmurs, especially those from the mitral valve (mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation), appear louder and easier to hear. The murmur is typically best heard at the left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. In other positions like supine or dorsal recumbent, the apex sits farther from the chest wall and murmur intensity can lessen, making detection harder. Sims is not used for heart murmur auscultation.