The pulmonic valve is best auscultated at which location?

The pulmonic valve is best auscultated at which location?

• A. 5th ICS midclavicular
• B. 2nd ICS left sternal border
• C. 3rd ICS left sternal border
• D. 2nd ICS right sternal border

Answer: (B)

Valves are best heard where their anatomical outflow tract is closest to the chest wall. The pulmonic valve lies at the left upper sternal border, in the second intercostal space, so its sounds are loudest there. This area is distinct from the aortic area, which is the right second intercostal space; the mitral area is the apex at the fifth left intercostal space near the midclavicular line; and the tricuspid area is along the left sternal border around the lower intercostal spaces. Therefore, listening at the left second intercostal space along the sternal border best captures pulmonic valve sounds.

Valves are best heard where their anatomical outflow tract is closest to the chest wall. The pulmonic valve lies at the left upper sternal border, in the second intercostal space, so its sounds are loudest there. This area is distinct from the aortic area, which is the right second intercostal space; the mitral area is the apex at the fifth left intercostal space near the midclavicular line; and the tricuspid area is along the left sternal border around the lower intercostal spaces. Therefore, listening at the left second intercostal space along the sternal border best captures pulmonic valve sounds.