The nurse is completing an assessment on a client suspected of having a transient ischemic attack. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to assess the client's carotid arteries?
Simultaneously palpating both arteries to compare amplitude.
Listening with the diaphragm of the stethoscope to assess for bruits.
instructing the patient to take slow deep breaths during auscultation.
Palpating the artery at the base of the neck of the neck.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Simultaneously palpating both arteries to compare amplitude: While comparing amplitudes is important, using the diaphragm of the stethoscope to listen for bruits (abnormal whooshing sounds indicating turbulent blood flow) is a more specific and accurate method for assessing the carotid arteries for potential vascular issues.
B. Listening with the diaphragm of the stethoscope to assess for bruits: This technique allows the nurse to detect abnormal sounds (bruits) that could indicate partial blockages or stenosis in the carotid arteries, suggesting a risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
C. Instructing the patient to take slow deep breaths during auscultation: Deep breaths are more relevant during lung auscultation. Carotid artery assessment focuses on detecting abnormal sounds and assessing blood flow rather than respiratory patterns.
D. Palpating the artery at the base of the neck: Palpation alone does not provide enough information about potential blockages or abnormalities in the carotid arteries. Listening with a stethoscope allows for a more detailed assessment of blood flow and the presence of bruits. f the nurse hears a bruit during auscultation, they should not palpate the carotid artery. A bruit suggests partial obstruction (carotid stenosis), and compressing the artery further could worsen blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Use of accessory muscles
Explanation: Using accessory muscles during breathing indicates increased effort to breathe, which can be a sign of respiratory distress. It suggests that the client is having difficulty breathing and is using additional muscles to aid in the process. This finding should be reported to the practitioner for further evaluation.
B. Nail bed greater than 160 degrees
Explanation: A nail bed angle greater than 160 degrees, also known as clubbing, is an abnormal finding and can be associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. It may indicate insufficient oxygenation and should be reported to the practitioner for evaluation.
C. Circumoral cyanosis
Explanation: Circumoral cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration around the mouth, indicates inadequate oxygenation. It can be a sign of respiratory or cardiac problems and should be reported to the practitioner for further assessment and intervention.
D. Pursed lip breathing
Explanation: Pursed lip breathing is a technique often used by individuals with respiratory difficulties to improve oxygen exchange. However, if it's observed in a person who does not normally use this technique, it could indicate respiratory distress and should be reported to the practitioner for evaluation.
E. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter of 1:1
Explanation: An anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter of 1:1 (also known as barrel chest) is an abnormal finding often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It suggests overinflation of the lungs and can impair effective breathing. This finding should be reported to the practitioner for further evaluation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:
Bronchovesicular breath sounds are medium-pitched sounds heard over the major bronchi and are usually equal on inspiration and expiration. They are typically heard in the 1st and 2nd intercostal spaces anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly. While they might be normal in certain locations, hearing them over peripheral lung fields might indicate an abnormality.
B. Normally auscultated over the trachea:
This statement doesn't specify a particular type of breath sound. Tracheal breath sounds are harsh and relatively high-pitched, heard directly over the trachea. They are normal over the trachea but are not normally heard in the lung periphery.
C. Vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:
Vesicular breath sounds are low-pitched, soft sounds heard over most of the lungs during inspiration. They are longer on inspiration than expiration and are considered normal breath sounds heard in the peripheral lung fields. Hearing vesicular sounds in the posterior lower lobes is typical and indicates normal lung function.
D. Bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location:
Bronchial breath sounds are high-pitched and loud, heard primarily over the trachea and larynx. If heard in the peripheral lung fields, especially in the lower lobes, it can suggest an abnormality such as consolidation or compression of lung tissue.
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