Bruit

Definition

A bruit is an abnormal blowing, whooshing, or swishing sound heard on auscultation of an artery, produced by turbulent blood flow through a narrowed or dilated vessel.

Common Locations

• Carotid arteries (stroke risk if stenotic)
• Abdominal aorta (AAA)
• Renal arteries (renovascular hypertension)
• Femoral, iliac arteries (peripheral arterial disease)
• Arteriovenous (AV) fistula for hemodialysis (EXPECTED finding)

Assessment Technique

Use the bell of the stethoscope lightly over the artery. Have the patient hold breath briefly to eliminate background sounds. Compare sides.

Nursing Considerations

A new bruit over a carotid or abdominal artery warrants urgent provider notification, for dialysis patients, auscultate thrill and bruit over AV fistula every shift. Absence may indicate clotting (emergency!). Do NOT take BP, draw blood, or use IV access in the extremity with a fistula.

NCLEX Relevance

Must-know: Thrill (palpable) and bruit (auscultated) are EXPECTED findings in a functioning AV fistula.