During a cardiac examination, which chamber of the heart can be assessed by palpation?

The right ventricle is the chamber of the heart that can be effectively assessed through palpation during a cardiac examination. When a clinician places their hands on the patient's chest, particularly at the left sternal border or the apex of the heart, they can feel the impulse produced by the contractions of the right ventricle. This is especially notable in certain conditions where the right ventricular pressures are elevated, making it more prominent.

In contrast, the left atrium is situated posteriorly and is not typically accessible for palpation. The right atrium, while more anterior, is smaller and doesn't generate a significant palpable impulse in the same way the right ventricle does. The pulmonary artery is a conduit vessel, and while pulsations may be felt transiently during certain cardiac conditions, it does not represent a chamber of the heart and thus is not directly assessed by palpation for functional status like the right ventricle is. Therefore, palpating the right ventricle allows clinicians to gather important information about the heart's performance during physical exams.