When assessing the size of the aorta in a patient in the anatomical position, at which location should the nurse palpate?

• A. Directly over the sternum
• B. Right lower quadrant of the abdomen
• C. Over the left clavicle
• D. Just left of the midline in the upper abdomen

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomical position: The anatomical position refers to the body standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This is the standard reference position in anatomy.
2. Identify the location of the aorta: The aorta is the largest artery in the body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and descending through the thoracic cavity into the abdominal cavity. In the abdominal region, it is located just left of the midline.
3. Determine the palpation site: To assess the size of the abdominal aorta, the nurse should palpate just left of the midline in the upper abdomen. This is where the abdominal aorta is most accessible for physical examination.
4. Rule out incorrect options: Directly over the sternum is incorrect because the sternum is part of the thoracic cavity, not the abdominal region. The right lower quadrant of the abdomen is incorrect because the aorta is not located there. Over the left clavicle is incorrect because the clavicle is part of the upper thoracic region, not the abdomen.
5. Conclude the correct location: Based on anatomical knowledge, the correct location for palpating the abdominal aorta is just left of the midline in the upper abdomen.