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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Continue with the remainder of the client's physical assessment:
Vesicular breath sounds are normal breath sounds heard over the peripheral lung fields. Hearing vesicular sounds in the bases of both lungs posteriorly indicates normal air movement in the lungs. Therefore, there is no immediate concern or need for further action related to this finding. The nurse should continue with the remainder of the client's physical assessment.

B) Report the client's abnormal lung sounds to the healthcare provider:
Vesicular breath sounds are considered normal lung sounds and do not warrant reporting as abnormal. Reporting this finding to the healthcare provider would not be appropriate and may lead to unnecessary concern or intervention.

C) Ask the client to cough and then auscultate at the site again:
Coughing would not be necessary in response to hearing vesicular breath sounds, as these are normal lung sounds. Repeating the auscultation may not provide additional information beyond confirming the presence of normal breath sounds.

D) Measure the client's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter:
Measuring oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter is not indicated in response to hearing vesicular breath sounds. These breath sounds are normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem with oxygenation. Therefore, measuring oxygen saturation would not be the appropriate action in this situation.

A. Ask about recent abdominal trauma. B. Observe the midline for scarring. C. Document the normal finding. D. Palpate the area for masses.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Ask about recent abdominal trauma:
While abdominal trauma could potentially cause changes in the appearance of the umbilicus, such as bruising or swelling, it is not the most likely explanation for a depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen. Additionally, without further evidence or symptoms suggestive of trauma, it may not be necessary to immediately inquire about recent abdominal trauma.

B) Observe the midline for scarring:
Observing the midline for scarring may be relevant if there are signs of previous surgical procedures or other abdominal interventions. However, the presence of a depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen does not necessarily indicate scarring or previous surgery.

C) Document the normal finding:
A depressed umbilicus below the surface of the abdomen is a normal anatomical variation in some individuals, particularly those with a more slender build or a deeper abdominal cavity. It does not typically indicate pathology or require further intervention.

D) Palpate the area for masses:
Palpating the area for masses may be indicated if there are other signs or symptoms suggestive of abdominal pathology, but a depressed umbilicus alone is not typically an indication for palpation. In the absence of other concerning findings, it may be unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable for the client to perform palpation based solely on the observation of a depressed umbilicus.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While auscultating a client's breath sounds, the nurse hears vesicular sounds in the bases of both lungs posteriorly. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. Which action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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