The nurse evaluating the head and neck of a client would assess the carotid arteries by
A) asking the client to bear down and hold the breath while observing the arteries.
B) auscultating the arteries with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
C) instructing the client to lie down and examining the arteries with oblique lighting.
D) palpating the arteries simultaneously, comparing amplitudes, rates, and rhythms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carotid artery examination indicates the adequacy of stroke volume and the patency of the arteries. Using the fingertips, the nurse gently palpates the carotid arteries one side at a time. The nurse notes whether a bruit is present by listening to the carotid arteries with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.

The Nurse Evaluating the Head and Neck of a Client