Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Where should the stethoscope be placed to locate Erb's point for auscultating heart sounds?

1. Fifth intercostal space near the midclavicular line

2. Fifth intercostal space along the left sternal border

3. Second intercostal space at the left sternal border

4. Third intercostal space at the left sternal border

The correct answer is: Third intercostal space at the left sternal border

Erb's point is specifically located at the third intercostal space along the left sternal border. This anatomical landmark serves as a critical area for auscultating heart sounds because it is where the sounds from multiple heart valves can be easily heard. This location, particularly in the third intercostal space, allows the clinician to gather comprehensive information about both the aortic and pulmonary valves while maintaining clarity for the sounds produced by the mitral and tricuspid valves. The other choices do refer to valid auscultation points but not specifically Erb's point. For example, the fifth intercostal space near the midclavicular line is where the mitral valve sounds are best heard, while the second intercostal space along the left sternal border is typically used for auscultating aortic valve sounds. The fifth intercostal space along the left sternal border is associated with the tricuspid valve. Thus, while all these points are important for assessing different heart sounds, they are not relevant to finding Erb's point.