Vagal maneuvers Flashcards
(12 cards)
What do vagal maneuvers stimulate?
Baroreceptors
What do baroreceptors signal to?
Brainstem centers
What nerve is stimulated by the brainstem centers during vagal maneuvers?
Vagus nerve
What is the effect of stimulating the vagus nerve?
Slowing the heart rate
What is carotid sinus massage also known as?
Carotid sinus pressure
What should you assess for before performing carotid sinus massage?
Carotid bruits
What should you do if you hear a bruit when assessing the carotid artery?
Do not perform the procedure
What is the next step if no bruit is heard and there are no contraindications?
Turn the patient’s head to one side
How should the carotid pulse be treated during carotid sinus massage?
Apply firm pressure for 5 to 10 seconds
Why is an older adult patient with CAD and high cholesterol not a good candidate for carotid massage?
High risk of thromboembolism
What is the Valsalva maneuver?
A vagal maneuver where the patient bears down against a closed glottis for 10 to 30 seconds
What is a bruit?
Abnormal whooshing sounds indicating turbulent blood flow within a narrowed vessel; usually heard in the carotid arteries.
