36. Discuss the assessment of the carotid arteries.
The carotids arteries supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck. Because they are the only source of blood to the brain, prolonged occlusion of these arteries can result in serious brain damage. The carotid is also auscultated for a bruit and if a bruit is found, the carotid artery is then palpated for a thrill. A bruit (a blowing or swishing sound) is created by turbulence of blood flow due either to a narrowed arterial lumen (a common development in older adults) or to a condition such as anemia. A thrill, which frequently accompanies a bruit, is a vibrating sensation like the purring of a cat, it too indicates turbulent blood flow due to arterial obstruction. Page 582
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