Heart Sound Auscultation Locations

When listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope, it is crucial to auscultate specific areas on the patient's chest to ensure a systematic and thorough physical exam.

Mnemonic: APartment M (20 to 45)

This mnemonic helps remember the locations for auscultation:

• A for Aortic Valve
• P for Pulmonic Valve
• T for Tricuspid Valve
• M for Mitral Valve

Intercostal Spaces

• Aortic Valve: Right second intercostal space
• Pulmonic Valve: Left second intercostal space
• Tricuspid Valve: Fourth intercostal space, lower left sternal border
• Mitral Valve: Fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line

The mnemonic not only helps identify the correct valves but also correlates with the intercostal spaces (20 to 45) needed for proper auscultation on the chest.