Where is the right ventricular impulse commonly palpated?

Where is the right ventricular impulse commonly palpated?

• A. Subxiphoid region
• B. Apex
• C. Left 2nd intercostal space
• D. Right sternal border

Answer: (A)

The right ventricular impulse is a small, anterior pulsation felt where the heart sits just behind the sternum, most commonly in the subxiphoid region beneath the lower part of the sternum. Since the right ventricle lies directly behind the chest wall there, its impulse is best detected there rather than at the apex (which is from the left ventricle and felt in the left fifth intercostal space), or at the left second intercostal space (aortic/pulmonic areas). The right sternal border can sometimes reveal activity in certain conditions, but for a normal exam the subxiphoid region is the classic location to palpate the right ventricular impulse.

The right ventricular impulse is a small, anterior pulsation felt where the heart sits just behind the sternum, most commonly in the subxiphoid region beneath the lower part of the sternum. Since the right ventricle lies directly behind the chest wall there, its impulse is best detected there rather than at the apex (which is from the left ventricle and felt in the left fifth intercostal space), or at the left second intercostal space (aortic/pulmonic areas). The right sternal border can sometimes reveal activity in certain conditions, but for a normal exam the subxiphoid region is the classic location to palpate the right ventricular impulse.