The nurse is assessing the carotid arteries of a client with cardiovascular disease. What action should be performed next by the nurse?

Discuss that a light will be directed at the neck to observe for pulsations of the artery

instruct the client to take a deep breath and "hold" while the nurse briefly auscultates

Demonstrate that both arteries will be palpated simultaneously to compare amplitude

Show the client the diaphragm of the stethoscope that will be placed on the neck

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Discuss that a light will be directed at the neck to observe for pulsations of the artery:

This choice is incorrect. Directing light at the neck is not a standard method for assessing carotid artery pulsations. The carotid artery is usually assessed by palpation to feel the pulse rather than visual observation.

B. Instruct the client to take a deep breath and "hold" while the nurse briefly auscultates:

This choice is incorrect. Auscultation is typically not used to assess carotid artery pulsations. Palpation (feeling the pulse) is the primary method used for this assessment.

C. Demonstrate that both arteries will be palpated simultaneously to compare amplitude:

This choice is correct. Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously allows the nurse to compare the amplitude (strength) of the pulses. This comparison helps in assessing the symmetry of the pulses and ensures there are no significant differences between the two sides, which could indicate vascular abnormalities.

D. Show the client the diaphragm of the stethoscope that will be placed on the neck:

This choice is incorrect. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is not typically used for palpating pulses. Palpation involves using the fingertips to feel the pulse and assess its strength and regularity.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. AV node - SA node - bundle of His - bundle branches:

This sequence is incorrect. The SA node (sinoatrial node) initiates the electrical impulse in the heart, followed by the AV node (atrioventricular node), bundle of His, and then the bundle branches.

B. SA node - AV node - bundle of His - bundle branches:

This sequence is correct. The electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle starts at the SA node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. From the SA node, the impulse travels to the AV node, then to the bundle of His, and finally to the bundle branches, which distribute the impulse to the ventricles, causing them to contract.

C. Bundle of His - AV node - SA node - Erb's Point:

This sequence is incorrect. Erb's Point is a point on the chest where heart sounds S2 and S3 can be heard most distinctly.

D. AV node - SA node - bundle of His - Erb's Point:

This sequence is incorrect. The AV node comes after the SA node in the electrical conduction system of the heart. Erb's Point is not a part of the normal cardiac conduction pathway; it is a location for auscultation on the chest.

A. Friction rub B. Tactile fremitus C. Crepitus D. Adventitious sounds

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Friction rub:

A friction rub is a grating or rubbing sound or sensation heard or felt during auscultation or palpation. It occurs when inflamed pleural or pericardial surfaces rub against each other during breathing or heartbeats, respectively.

B. Tactile fremitus:

Tactile fremitus refers to the palpable vibrations transmitted through the bronchopulmonary tree to the chest wall as the patient speaks. It is assessed by placing hands on the patient's back while the patient speaks certain words. Increased tactile fremitus can occur in conditions with lung consolidation, such as pneumonia.

C. Crepitus:

Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation felt under the skin or heard when the ends of a broken bone rub against each other. It can also occur when air leaks into subcutaneous tissue, leading to a crackling sensation upon palpation.

D. Adventitious sounds:

Adventitious sounds refer to abnormal lung sounds heard during auscultation. These sounds include crackles (rales), wheezes, rhonchi, and pleural friction rubs. Adventitious sounds can indicate various respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma.

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The nurse is assessing the carotid arteries of a client with cardiovascular disease. What action should be performed next by the nurse?

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