While auscultating a person's renal arteries, the nurse hears a 'whooshing' sound. What might this finding be indicative of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 'whooshing' sound heard while auscultating the renal arteries is known as a renal artery bruit and is indicative of renal artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the renal artery. The narrowed artery disrupts blood flow to the kidney and can result in high blood pressure, kidney damage, or even kidney failure. Renal artery vasodilation would not cause a 'whooshing' sound, while acute and end-stage renal failure would have different clinical manifestations.

While Auscultating a Person's Renal Arteries, the Nurse Hears a 'Whooshing