Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does the presence of a heart murmur typically indicate?

1. A congenital heart defect

2. Normal valve closure

3. A malfunctioning valve

4. Blood pressure normalcy

The correct answer is: A malfunctioning valve

The presence of a heart murmur typically indicates turbulent blood flow within the heart, which can often be a result of a malfunctioning valve. When valves do not close properly or when there is an obstruction to blood flow, it can create a specific sound, referred to as a murmur. This is especially significant because it can point to various heart conditions that require further investigation. Congenital heart defects can also cause murmurs, but they are not the only reason a murmur may be present. Normal valve closure would not produce a murmur, as this would signify that blood is flowing smoothly without turbulence. Similarly, while murmurs can occur regardless of blood pressure, the presence of a heart murmur is not directly indicative of blood pressure normalcy. Thus, recognizing a heart murmur as a sign of a malfunctioning valve is crucial in clinical assessment and management.