RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1657 of 2368

The nurse suspects a pericardial friction rub. How should the nurse position the client to hear it best?

  1. Lying flat on the back with the legs raised
  2. Lying on the left side with the bell of the stethoscope
  3. Lying prone with the head turned
  4. Sitting up and leaning forward while holding their breath
Show answer

Correct answer: Sitting up and leaning forward while holding their breath

A friction rub is best heard with the diaphragm when the client sits up, leans forward, and holds their breath.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Cardiovascular Assessment: Objective Assessment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026