What technique should the nurse implement for assessment of the carotid artery?

A) Massaging the arteries briskly
B) Using the diaphragm of the stethoscope
C) Palpating each carotid artery separately
D) Placing the patient in a supine position

Palpate each carotid artery separately with index and middle fingers around the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Ask the patient to raise the chin slightly,keeping the head straight.Note rate and rhythm,strength,and elasticity of the artery.Also note if the pulse changes as the patient inspires and expires.Do not vigorously palpate or massage the artery.Stimulation of the carotid sinus may cause a reflex drop in heart rate and blood pressure.Place the bell of the stethoscope over each carotid artery,auscultating for a blowing sound (bruit).To assess venous pressure,have the patient recline at a 45-degree angle and slowly recline into the supine position,avoiding neck hyperextension or flexion.Measure the distance between the angle of Louis and the highest point of vein pulsation.