A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. Identify where the nurse should place the diaphragm of the stethoscope to best hear the closing of the aortic heart valve. (You will find "Hot Spots" to select in the artwork below. Select only the hotspot that corresponds to your answer.)

A. Location A (Aortic Area): This area is located at the second intercostal space (ICS), just to the right of the sternal border. Aortic Valve Closing: The Aortic Valve closes at the beginning of diastole, contributing to the second heart sound, the "dub". The sound is best conducted and heard in this area because the blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta travels toward the client's right shoulder. B. Location B (Tricuspid Area): Located at the 4th or 5th ICS along the left sternal border. Best for hearing the Tricuspid Valve. C. Location C (Mitral/Apical Area): Located at the 5th ICS at the midclavicular line (where the apex of the heart rests). Best for hearing the Mitral Valve and the point of maximal impulse.