The nurse hears high-pitched swooshing sounds over the carotid artery on the right side. What is this sound indicative of?
Gallops
Murmurs
Normal findings
Bruits
The Correct Answer is D
A. Gallops refer to abnormal heart sounds that occur during the cardiac cycle, not typically associated with sounds over the carotid artery.
B. Murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that occur due to turbulent blood flow in the heart, not typically related to the carotid artery.
C. Normal findings would not usually include high-pitched swooshing sounds over the carotid artery; such sounds are abnormal.
D. Bruits are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow in the arteries, which can be detected as high-pitched swooshing sounds over the carotid artery, often indicative of stenosis or narrowing of the vessel.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diaphragm on one side, bell on the opposite side: Suitable for a full cardiac examination, as it can assess both high and low-frequency sounds.
B. Diaphragm Only: Less suitable for a full cardiac examination because it may not effectively capture low-frequency sounds such as certain heart murmurs.
C. Bell on one side, Diaphragm on the opposite side: Effective for a full cardiac examination, as it can assess both high and low-frequency sounds.
D. Diaphragm and bell on same side: Allows for a complete assessment of heart sounds, though it may be less versatile than separate components on each side.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Auscultating the area may not provide accurate information about the pulse if it is not palpable, though it can be part of the assessment if Doppler is unavailable.
B. Using Doppler ultrasonography is the most appropriate next step to accurately assess the pulse if it is not palpable, especially in older adults where pulses may be difficult to detect.
C. Asking another nurse to assess the pulse may not address the underlying issue of why the pulse is not palpable and does not provide additional information.
D. Documenting the absence of the dorsalis pedis pulse without further investigation could be premature, as Doppler ultrasonography should be used to confirm its absence.
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