#36

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36. Discuss the assessment of the carotid arteries. Page: 584

The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the head & neck. Because they are the only source of blood to the brain, prolonged occlusion of these arteries can result in serious brain damage.

Box 28-24 Palpating & Auscultating the Carotid Artery:
Palpation:
Palpate only one carotid artery at a time. This ensures adequate cerebral blood flow through the other and thus prevents possible ischemia. Ischemia is a deficiency of blood in a body part due to constriction or obstruction of a blood vessel.

Avoid exerting too much pressure and massaging the area. Pressures can occlude the artery and carotid sinus massage can precipitate bradycardia. The carotid sinus is a small dilation at the beginning of the internal carotid artery just above the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, in the upper third of the neck.

Ask the client to turn the head slightly toward the side being examined. This makes the carotid artery more accessible.

Auscultation:
Turn the client's head slightly away from the side being examined. This facilitates the placement of the stethoscope.

Auscultate the carotid artery on one side and then the other.

Listen for the presence of a bruit.

If you hear a bruit, gently palpate the artery to determine the presence of a thrill.