During an examination of a 3-year-old child, the nurse notices a ...

[jrubin]

During an examination of a 3-year-old child, the nurse notices a bruit over the left temporal area. The nurse should:
 
  a. Continue the examination because a bruit is a normal finding for this age.
  b. Check for the bruit again in 1 hour.
  c. Notify the parents that a bruit has been detected in their child.
  d. Stop the examination, and notify the physician.

Question 2

During an examination, the nurse knows that the best way to palpate the lymph nodes in the neck is described by which statement?
 
  a. Using gentle pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides.
  b. Using strong pressure, palpate with both hands to compare the two sides.
  c. Gently pinch each node between one's thumb and forefinger, and then move down the neck muscle.
  d. Using the index and middle fingers, gently palpate by applying pressure in a rotating pattern.

[scottmt]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Bruits are common in the skull in children under 4 or 5 years of age and in children with anemia. They are systolic or continuous and are heard over the temporal area.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Using gentle pressure is recommended because strong pressure can push the nodes into the neck muscles. Palpating with both hands to compare the two sides symmetrically is usually most efficient.