In assessing a client's neck, the nurse hears a blowing swish when auscultating the area over the left carotid artery, but hears no sound over the right carotid artery. How should the nurse document this finding?
Left carotid artery has strong pulse; right carotid artery occluded.
Left carotid pulse volume of 4+; right carotid pulse volume of 0.
Left carotid artery occlusion present; no occlusion of right carotid artery.
Left carotid artery bruit present; no bruit heard in right carotid artery.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Left carotid artery has strong pulse; right carotid artery occluded:
This documentation is incorrect because the presence of a bruit does not indicate a strong pulse or occlusion. A bruit suggests turbulent blood flow, often due to partial obstruction or narrowing of the artery, not necessarily a strong pulse or complete occlusion.
B) Left carotid pulse volume of 4+; right carotid pulse volume of 0:
This documentation focuses on the pulse volume rather than the presence of a bruit. The nurse's assessment was related to auscultation findings (bruit) rather than palpation findings (pulse volume).
C) Left carotid artery occlusion present; no occlusion of right carotid artery:
A bruit indicates turbulent blood flow, which may be due to partial obstruction, but it does not confirm complete occlusion. Therefore, this documentation would be inaccurate.
D) Left carotid artery bruit present; no bruit heard in right carotid artery:
This documentation accurately reflects the nurse's findings. A bruit is a blowing, swishing sound indicating turbulent blood flow, often due to narrowing or partial obstruction of the artery. Documenting the presence of a bruit provides essential information for further evaluation and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Ask the client if he knows the year he married his wife:
While this question may assess long-term memory, it relies on specific episodic memory of a past event. Assessing recent memory loss typically involves evaluating the ability to recall recent events or information.
B) Determine if the client can recall what he ate for breakfast:
Assessing the client's ability to recall recent events, such as what he ate for breakfast, can provide valuable information about recent memory function. This assessment is relevant to the family's concerns about recent memory loss.
C) Instruct the client to follow a three-step task:
Assessing the client's ability to follow a three-step task evaluates executive function and working memory but may not directly assess recent memory loss, which is the family's concern.
D) Tell the client to repeat a series of unrelated numbers:
Assessing the client's ability to repeat a series of unrelated numbers tests short-term memory but does not specifically address recent memory loss or the family's concerns about it.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Looking at the client from the side, observe the size and shape of the chest wall:
This action is more related to inspecting the physical appearance and symmetry of the chest wall but does not assess tactile fremitus.
B) Use the fingertips to compress tissue over the lungs for evidence of a crackling sensation:
This action may be more relevant for assessing subcutaneous emphysema (crepitus) but is not the correct method for assessing tactile fremitus.
C) Place the palm of the hand on the chest wall to feel vibrations while the client speaks:
This is the correct action to assess tactile fremitus. By placing the palm of the hand on various areas of the chest wall while the client repeats a phrase such as "ninety-nine," the nurse can feel for vibrations. Increased tactile fremitus can indicate consolidation, as seen in pneumonia.
D) Use a stethoscope to listen to and compare breath sounds anteriorly and posteriorly:
This action involves auscultation, which is important for assessing breath sounds but does not assess tactile fremitus directly.
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