Certified Medical Assistant Exam Prep

Answer: A -  Left, fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.  The correct landmark for obtaining an apical pulse is on the left, intercostal space, midclavicular line. The left, second intercostal space, midclavicular line is the area where the pulmonic valve is auscultated.  The patient's apical pulse should be taken for a full minute before administration of this digoxin. If the apical pulse is less than 60, the dose should be withheld and the prescribing provider notified.