Chapter 12 – Peripheral Vascular System Assessment
Inspection and Auscultation of Abdominal Vasculature
Inspection and auscultation of abdominal vasculature is best performed with the client in a supine position with their head on a pillow. You will be assessing the area over the abdominal aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries, and femoral arteries (Figure 10). Draping is important because you will need to expose the abdomen and groin area.
refers to a light (penlight) directed from the side at a low angle across the body.
is an enlargement or ballooning of the vessel. Aneurysms can rupture, which is a life-threatening situation due to bleeding.
Figure 10: Abdominal vasculature. (Attribution: Adapted photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash, CC BY-NC 4.0)
Steps for assessing the abdominal vasculature include:
Video 4: Auscultation of the abdominal vasculature [1:27]
Priorities of Care
If you hear a bruit, do not palpate the area. Ask if the client has experienced any recent pain in their chest, back, abdomen, or groin, and if they have ever been diagnosed with an . You should also complete a primary survey and measure blood pressure in both arms. Notify the physician and nurse practitioner of the findings. Until an aneurysm is ruled out or assessed, it is best to keep the client in bed, at rest, and under continuous monitoring.
Activity: Check Your Understanding
(Attribution: Activity Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash)