![APE To Man [APETM] Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonics](https://nursingtroop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Red-White-and-Grey-Heart-Beat-World-Blood-Donor-Day-Poster-1.png)
If you work in the medical field, understanding and being able to interpret cardiac auscultation is essential. But heart sounds can be difficult to remember – so how do you get a handle on it? One of the best methods for memorization is using mnemonics – short phrases or expressions that help with recall. That’s why we’re here today!
In this blog post, we’ll be diving into one of the most useful mnemonic devices when it comes to remembering key aspects of heart sound diagnostics: ape to man nursing.
By breaking down what these letters stand for and exploring their corresponding meanings, we’ll have an easy way to recall vital information about different types of murmurs associated with abnormal heart function.
Table of Contents
APE TM: Heart Sounds Mnemonic:
The mnemonic “APE To Man” can be used to remember the areas of the heart that need to be listened to in order to hear the sounds it produces when its valves close.
The letters “apetoman heart sound” indicate the
- Aortic,
- Pulmonary
- Erb’s point valves,
- “To” stands for tricuspid valve
- “Man” for the mitral valve.
What does “APE” in “APE To Man” mean?
“APE” stands for the aortic and pulmonary valves, as well as an area known as Erb’s point. To listen to the closing of the aortic valve, you should place your stethoscope on the right side of your sternum at the second intercostal space (the space between your second and third ribs). For listening to the pulmonic valve closing, your stethoscope should be placed on the left side of the sternum at the second intercostal space. Erb’s point is located on the left side at the third intercostal space (between your third and fourth ribs).
What does “To” in “APE To Man” mean?
“To” stands for the tricuspid valve, which can be heard when you place your stethoscope on the lower left sternal border at the fourth intercostal space (the space between your fourth and fifth ribs).
What does “Man” in “APE To Man” mean?
Lastly, “Man” refers to the mitral valve, which can be heard when your stethoscope is placed at the apex of the heart on the left side of the sternum at the fifth intercostal space (the space between your fifth and sixth ribs) on the midclavicular line. If you have breasts, remember to lift them so that auscultation can be performed correctly.
What are some important facts to know about the “APE To Man” mnemonic?
The mnemonic “APE To Man” represents the points for auscultation of the heart in order to listen to heart sounds produced when valves close. The ‘APE’ stands for aortic and pulmonary valves as well as Erb’s point. The ‘To’ stands for tricuspid valve, and ‘Man’ refers to the mitral valve. Remember to place your stethoscope at different parts of the chest in order to listen to each individual heart sound.
Final Words
The mnemonic “APE To Man” is an excellent way to remember the locations of different heart sounds. By breaking down what each letter a p e t m heart sounds stands for and understanding its corresponding meaning, you can have a solid foundation for diagnosing and interpreting cardiac auscultation.
Hopefully this blog post has given you a better understanding of how to use this mnemonic ape to man heart sounds to aid in your clinical work. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to identify the different types of murmurs and interpret heart sound diagnostics correctly.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.