What sound on auscultation is indicative of a murmur?

A whooshing or swishing sound is indicative of a murmur because it typically signifies turbulent blood flow within the heart or blood vessels. Murmurs are often a result of structural abnormalities in the heart, such as valve stenosis or regurgitation, which disrupt the normal laminar flow of blood and create sounds that are not present in a healthy heart. These sounds can vary in intensity and duration and are usually best heard with a stethoscope during particular phases of the cardiac cycle.

The other options describe different types of sounds that may be produced in other medical contexts but are not characteristic of murmurs. For example, a high-pitched squeak may suggest a friction rub, while a rumbling sound could be associated with other conditions, like a diastolic murmur or pericardial friction. A continuous sound might indicate a patent ductus arteriosus or a continuous murmur but does not specifically fall under the category of the classic descriptions of murmurs. Understanding the specific characteristics that define a murmur helps in the clinical assessment and management of cardiovascular conditions.