Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

Where is the apical pulse located?

1. A general term that refers to inflammation of the joints

2. The pulse on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple

3. Thickening and hardening of the arterial walls

4. Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform ADLs

The correct answer is: The pulse on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple

The apical pulse is indeed located on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple, where the heartbeat can be best detected directly over the heart. This area is where healthcare professionals typically use a stethoscope to listen to the heart sounds, making it an ideal place to assess the apical pulse. It provides important information about the heart's rhythm and rate, which is essential for monitoring a patient's cardiovascular health. The other options refer to different concepts in healthcare; one describes inflammation of the joints, another refers to arterial health, and the last one pertains to assistive equipment for daily activities, none of which relate to the specific location of the apical pulse.