What abnormal finding is characterized by a lack of regular rhythm in heart sounds?

The correct choice regarding the abnormal finding characterized by a lack of regular rhythm in heart sounds is murmurs. Murmurs are unusual sounds produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart or nearby blood vessels, and they can indicate a variety of conditions such as valve abnormalities or congenital heart defects. The presence of murmurs can disrupt the regular rhythmic pattern of heart sounds, making them an important clinical finding during a cardiovascular examination.

Murmurs may be classified as either systolic or diastolic, and their characteristics—such as timing, intensity, pitch, and duration—help healthcare providers determine their significance and potential impact on a patient’s cardiovascular health. This disruption in the regular rhythm is what distinguishes murmurs from normal heart sounds and indicates the potential for underlying pathology.

In contrast, the other options do not relate to the regularity of heart sounds. Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, hyperventilation describes an increased rate and depth of breathing, and hypotension signifies low blood pressure—all of which do not specifically pertain to the rhythm of heart sounds.