A client has arrived at the clinic for a routine physical examination. Prior to assessing the client's blood pressure, what should the nurse do?
Position the arm so that it is below waist level.
Palpate the radial artery to confirm a pulse is present.
Ask the client to sit quietly in a chair for 5 minutes.
Make sure the arm selected is covered with clothing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Positioning the arm below waist level is not recommended when measuring blood pressure. It can result in an inaccurate reading, typically showing a higher blood pressure due to the effects of gravity on the blood column. The arm should be positioned at heart level for an accurate measurement.
Choice B Reason:
While palpating the radial artery to confirm a pulse is present is part of the overall assessment of circulation, it is not a necessary step immediately before measuring blood pressure. The focus should be on ensuring the client is in the correct position and is relaxed to avoid any factors that might artificially alter the blood pressure reading.
Choice C Reason:
Asking the client to sit quietly in a chair for 5 minutes is the correct procedure before measuring blood pressure. This allows the client's heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize, providing a more accurate measurement. Any activity or stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, so this quiet time is crucial.
Choice D Reason:
The arm selected for blood pressure measurement should not be covered with clothing. Clothing can constrict the blood pressure cuff and interfere with the accuracy of the reading. The cuff should be placed on bare skin to ensure it inflates and deflates correctly and that the stethoscope can accurately detect the sounds of the blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The conjunctiva can sometimes appear yellow in individuals with jaundice; however, it is not the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. The conjunctiva may be affected by other factors such as environmental irritants or infections, which can alter its appearance.
Choice B Reason:
The sclera of the eye is the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. The yellowing of the sclera, also known as scleral icterus, is a key indicator of jaundice. The sclera's white background provides a clear contrast, making any yellow discoloration more noticeable. This is particularly true in darker-skinned individuals, where skin changes may be less apparent.
Choice C Reason:
The back of the neck is not a reliable area to inspect for jaundice. Skin pigmentation and lighting can affect the visibility of yellowing, making it an unreliable indicator. Additionally, the back of the neck may have other skin changes unrelated to jaundice that could confuse the assessment.
Choice D Reason:
The palms of the hands are not the most reliable area to inspect for jaundice. While the palms may show yellowing, they are subject to various external factors such as manual labor or exposure to substances that can affect their color. Moreover, the palms' skin may be thicker and less transparent, making subtle changes in color more difficult to detect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Getting a longer cord for the telephone may reduce the risk of tripping over a short cord but could potentially introduce new tripping hazards if not managed properly. It's important to keep cords secured and out of walkways to prevent falls.
Choice b reason:
Placing a throw rug over electrical cords is not advisable as it can create a tripping hazard. Rugs should be secured with non-slip backing and kept away from high-traffic areas to prevent falls.
Choice c reason:
Using handrails in the bathroom is a recommended safety measure to prevent falls. Bathrooms can be slippery, and handrails provide support and stability for residents when moving around in this area.
Choice d reason:
Using chairs without armrests is not a recommended practice for fall prevention. Chairs with armrests can aid residents in safely sitting down and standing up, providing support and reducing the risk of falls.
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