Rationale and key points

This article provides an introduction to performing cardiac auscultation in infants and children aged 0-16 years, with the aim of improving children’s nurses’ knowledge and confidence in this procedure. Nurses wishing to develop competence in cardiac auscultation can use this article as a guide to complement supervised practical experience; however, it is not intended to determine an individual’s competence.

• Cardiac auscultation is a component of a structured cardiac assessment rather than a standalone tool.

• It is important to auscultate all four main heart valve areas, listening for normal heart sounds and any additional sounds.

• Several differences should be considered when auscultating heart sounds in infants and children compared with adults, including heart rate ranges and the potential need to use distraction techniques for those who are distressed.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How you think this article might help improve your practice when undertaking cardiac auscultation in infants and children.

• How you could use this information to develop your own knowledge and skills before educating others on the appropriate technique and evidence base behind auscultating heart sounds in infants and children.