Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The second heart sound, commonly referred to as S2, is primarily caused by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves at the end of ventricular systole. This closure marks the transition from the systolic phase (when the heart pumps blood) to the diastolic phase (when the heart fills with blood), an important aspect of the cardiac cycle.

When the ventricles have finished contracting and blood has been ejected into the aorta and pulmonary artery, the pressure in these vessels becomes greater than that in the ventricles. This change in pressure prompts the aortic and pulmonic valves to close tightly, producing the characteristic "dub" sound of S2. This sound is typically heard best at the left sternal border and is crucial for assessment during a physical examination, as it indicates proper functioning of the heart valves.

The other options relate to different aspects of heart function. The closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves contributes to the first heart sound (S1), which signifies the start of ventricular contraction. Ventricular contraction itself relates to the overall heart function but does not directly produce the sounds of the heart. Atrial contraction occurs during the late phase of diastole and is involved in the filling of the