Which finding would be considered abnormal during a health assessment?

Which finding would be considered abnormal during a health assessment?

• A. Palpation of apical pulse
• B. Capillary refill 2 seconds
• C. Third heart sound is heard
• D. Calf circumference difference 0.7 cm

Answer: (C)

A key sign tested here is what counts as abnormal in a routine physical exam. A third heart sound (S3) is not typically heard in healthy adults; when it is heard, it suggests increased volume in the ventricle or reduced ventricular compliance—often associated with heart failure or volume overload. In contrast, palpating the apical pulse is a standard part of assessing heart rate and rhythm; capillary refill of two seconds falls within normal limits, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion; and a calf circumference difference of about 0.7 cm is a small, usually non-significant asymmetry that doesn’t by itself indicate a problem. So the abnormal finding is hearing a third heart sound.

A key sign tested here is what counts as abnormal in a routine physical exam. A third heart sound (S3) is not typically heard in healthy adults; when it is heard, it suggests increased volume in the ventricle or reduced ventricular compliance—often associated with heart failure or volume overload. In contrast, palpating the apical pulse is a standard part of assessing heart rate and rhythm; capillary refill of two seconds falls within normal limits, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion; and a calf circumference difference of about 0.7 cm is a small, usually non-significant asymmetry that doesn’t by itself indicate a problem. So the abnormal finding is hearing a third heart sound.