Method Of Exam

• Auscultate the carotid arteries with diaphragm and then with bell.
• It is important to listen to at least three locations over each carotid artery: 1) the base of neck; 2) the carotid bifurcation; and, 3) the angle of the jaw.
• Listen also over the subclavian artery.

Normal: A pulse is normally heard, but without sounds during systole.