auscultation
Pronunciation: aws-kul-TAY-shun
Physical examination technique using a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds, with specific terminology for abnormal findings.
Full Definition
The clinical examination technique of listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope, particularly important in cardiac assessment for evaluating heart sounds, murmurs, and rhythm abnormalities. In cardiology documentation, auscultation findings include description of normal heart sounds (S1, S2) and abnormal sounds such as gallops (S3, S4), murmurs, rubs, or clicks. Medical editors encounter detailed auscultatory findings in physical examination sections, describing intensity, timing, location, and radiation of cardiac sounds. The standardized terminology includes specific descriptors for murmur characteristics such as systolic versus diastolic timing, intensity grading (1/6 to 6/6), and quality descriptions.
Usage
Usage note: Include specific descriptors for abnormal findings; use standardized murmur grading system.
In Context
- "Cardiac auscultation revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur at the apex." — Physical examination documentation
- "Auscultation demonstrated an S3 gallop consistent with heart failure." — Cardiology consultation note