During a routine physical examination of a 70-year-old patient, a blowing sound is auscultated over the carotid artery. Which assessment finding will the nurse report to the health care provider?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A bruit is the sound of turbulence of blood passing through a narrowed blood vessel and is auscultated as a blowing sound. A bruit can reflect cardiovascular disease in the carotid artery of middle-aged to older adults. Intensity or loudness is related to the rate of blood flow through the heart or the amount of blood regurgitated. A thrill is a continuous palpable sensation that resembles the purring of a cat. Jugular venous distention, not bruit, is a possible sign of right-sided heart failure. Some patients with heart disease have distended jugular veins when sitting. Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that occurs commonly after trauma to the vessel wall, infection, immobilization, and prolonged insertion of IV catheters. It affects predominantly peripheral veins.

During a Routine Physical Examination of a 70-Year-Old Patient, a Blowing