Heart Sounds Auscultation Locations

When listening for heart sounds with a stethoscope, it's critical to know the specific locations on the patient's chest to ensure a systematic and thorough examination.

Mnemonic: Apartment M (20-45)

• Purpose: To help remember the specific locations to auscultate for heart sounds.
  • A: Aortic valve
  • P: Pulmonic valve
  • T: Tricuspid valve
  • M: Mitral valve

Intercostal Space Locations

• Aortic Valve:
  • Right second intercostal space (2)
• Pulmonic Valve:
  • Left second intercostal space (2)
• Tricuspid Valve:
  • Fourth intercostal space at the lower left sternal border (4)
• Mitral Valve:
  • Fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line (5)

These anatomical landmarks ensure no critical heart sounds are missed during a physical exam.