Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX PN Questions Related

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When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, what action should a nurse perform?

  • A. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck
  • B. Palpating both arteries simultaneously to compare amplitude
  • C. Listening to the carotid artery, using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
  • D. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths while the nurse listens to the carotid artery
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, the nurse should listen to the carotid artery using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits. This is crucial in detecting abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying pathology. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck can trigger a vagal response, leading to a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable. Palpating both arteries simultaneously can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths is unnecessary and not a standard practice during carotid artery assessment.