A nurse is completing an assessment o a client suspected of having a carotid artery blockage. Which of the following techniques should the nurse to assess the client's carotid arteries?
Simultaneously palpating both arteries to compare amplitude
Auscultating the artery at the base of the neck at the carotid bifurcation
Listening with the diaphragm of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
Instructing the client to take deep breaths during auscultation
The Correct Answer is B
A) Simultaneously palpating both arteries to compare amplitude: Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously is contraindicated as it can obstruct blood flow to the brain, potentially causing a decrease in cerebral perfusion and leading to syncope or other complications. Each artery should be palpated one at a time to prevent this risk.
B) Auscultating the artery at the base of the neck at the carotid bifurcation: The correct technique for assessing for carotid artery blockage is to auscultate the artery at the carotid bifurcation, which is located at the base of the neck. The nurse should use the bell of the stethoscope to listen for bruits, which are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow due to narrowing or blockage of the artery. This is a non-invasive method used to detect vascular abnormalities.
C) Listening with the diaphragm of the stethoscope to assess for bruits: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is generally used for high-pitched sounds like lung and bowel sounds. For auscultating bruits, the bell of the stethoscope is preferred because it is more sensitive to low-pitched sounds, which are characteristic of bruits caused by turbulent blood flow in narrowed arteries.
D) Instructing the client to take deep breaths during auscultation: Instructing the client to take deep breaths is unnecessary and could alter the sound being auscultated. The nurse should have the client breathe normally to avoid interference with the auscultation of the carotid arteries. The goal is to listen for any abnormal sounds (bruits) without any external factors affecting the findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Daily, during the shower or bath:
This is incorrect. Performing a breast self-examination (BSE) daily is not necessary. The goal of BSE is to check for any changes over time, not to examine the breasts every day. It's more effective to perform the exam regularly at a consistent time each month.
B) One week after the menstrual period:
This is incorrect. This instruction is relevant for pre-menopausal women, where the hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can cause breast tissue to feel lumpy or swollen. The best time for them to perform a BSE is one week after the menstrual period ends when the breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. However, for postmenopausal women, this is not necessary, as their hormonal levels are stable throughout the month.
C) On the same day every month:
This is the correct answer. For postmenopausal women, who no longer have menstrual cycles, the best time to perform a breast self-exam is on the same day every month. This ensures consistency and makes it easier for the client to notice any changes in the breast tissue over time. The day chosen should be one that is convenient and easy to remember, and it does not matter whether it is during the shower or bath, as long as the examination is done regularly.
D) Weekly, at the client's convenience:
This is incorrect. While performing a BSE weekly is not necessary, the key is consistency rather than frequency. Performing the exam monthly is sufficient, and it should be on a specific day each month, rather than at the client’s convenience on an irregular basis.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Client's oral temperature is 38.4°C (101.2°F):
This is objective data, as it is a measurable, observable finding obtained through direct assessment (in this case, using a thermometer). Objective data are facts or measurements that can be verified or observed by the healthcare provider.
B) Client reports the rash on their back is itchy:
This is subjective data, as it is based on the client's personal experience and report. The feeling of itchiness cannot be directly measured or observed by the nurse; it is something the client experiences and describes. Subjective data include symptoms, sensations, or feelings reported by the client.
C) Client reports nausea following administration of pain medication:
This is subjective data. Nausea is a symptom that the client reports experiencing, which cannot be objectively measured or directly observed by the nurse. It is based on the client's perception and report, making it subjective.
D) Client has a vesicular rash on their upper back:
This is objective data. The rash is something the nurse can observe and describe. Objective data include observable facts, such as physical exam findings, lab results, or diagnostic test results.
E) Client reports dull, aching pain in lower right calf:
This is subjective data, as pain is a sensation that the client experiences and describes. The intensity, location, and type of pain (dull, aching) are subjective experiences that only the client can report.
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