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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Fifth intercoastal space, left of the midclavicular line B. Left lower sternal border C. Second left intercoastal space D. Second right intercoastal space

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Fifth intercostal space, left of the midclavicular line: This placement is used to auscultate the mitral valve, which is best heard at the apex of the heart. The mitral valve sounds are typically heard around the fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.

B. Left lower sternal border: This placement is used to auscultate the tricuspid valve, which is best heard at the lower left sternal border.

C. Second left intercostal space: This is the correct placement for auscultating the pulmonic valve. The pulmonic valve sounds are best heard at the second left intercostal space, which is close to the upper left sternal border.

D. Second right intercostal space: This placement is used to auscultate the aortic valve, which is best heard at the second right intercostal space, close to the upper right sternal border.

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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?

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