We begin auscultation at the upper right sternal edge, that is, the aortic listening area. We begin here because it is the area least likely to contain abnormal sounds, thus, allowing us to tune in to the rate and rhythm. The cotton swab identifies the carotid artery impulse, occurring just after the first heart sound. Let us listen together. [Sounds]
Discussion
As expected, we hear single first and second heart sounds, with the second sound loudest. [Sounds]