<prompt> Answer this question truthfullyWhat is the purpose of palpating the chest area over the heart precordium?  <response>: <reason> The point at which the ventricular impulse is most prominent normally is at or near the 5th intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line. In obese patients or in patients with hyerinflated lungs and emphysema, the apex may be diffcult to feel. If it is difficult to palpate the apex, a search should be made laterally and inferiorly in case cardiomegaly is present which can significantly displace the PMI. If after a vigorous search of the left side of the chest no impulse is found, a search should be made on the right side in case dextrocardia is present.The PMI should be described by the following characteristics which can be remember with the mnemonic SALID:S - Size - Is it larger than one interspace? A - Amplitude - Is it weak? L - Location - Is it in the fifth intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line? I - Impulse - Is it monophasic or biphasic? D - Duration - Is it abnormally sustained?The best way to describe apex beat is the point that has the most lateral and most inferior of apex pulsation. 