A Medical-Surgical nurse is assessing a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?
Femoral.
Popliteal.
Brachial.
Carotid.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should avoid assessing the popliteal pulse bilaterally at the same time. The popliteal pulse is located behind the knee and is relatively deep. Applying pressure on both sides of the knee to assess this pulse simultaneously can obstruct blood flow to the lower extremities. This is a particularly important consideration for clients with compromised circulation, such as those with peripheral vascular disease. Assessing this pulse sequentially is a safer approach.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the femoral pulse bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The femoral pulse is located in the groin area, and assessing it bilaterally doesn't impede blood flow significantly.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the brachial pulse bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The brachial pulse is located in the upper arm, and simultaneous assessment is unlikely to cause circulatory compromise.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the carotid pulse bilaterally at the same time is discouraged. The carotid arteries are located in the neck, and applying bilateral pressure here can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, potentially causing syncope (fainting) or other adverse effects. It's safer to assess this pulse sequentially.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. Protective. Protective precautions are crucial for clients who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant due to their severely weakened immune systems.
Choice A reason:
Airborne precautions are used for infections that spread through the air, such as tuberculosis and measles. These infections require special ventilation and respiratory protection, which is not the primary concern for stem-cell transplant patients.
Choice B reason:
Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct contact, like MRSA or C. difficile. These precautions involve wearing gloves and gowns but do not address the airborne or droplet risks that immunocompromised patients face.
Choice C reason:
Droplet precautions are for infections spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. While important, they do not provide the comprehensive protection needed for stem-cell transplant recipients.
Choice D reason:
Protective precautions involve placing the patient in a room with HEPA filtration and limiting visitors to minimize infection risk. This is essential for patients with compromised immune systems, such as those who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying the pulse oximeter probe to the toe is not the most appropriate location. While toe measurements can be used, the fingers are more commonly used due to their accessibility and accuracy. Edema in the hands could affect the accuracy of readings.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to the earlobe. This choice is correct because the earlobe is a well-vascularized and easily accessible area that provides accurate oxygen saturation measurements. Thickened toenails and edema of the hands might compromise readings in those locations.
Choice C rationale:
Applying the pulse oximeter probe to a skin fold is not a recommended site for oxygen saturation measurement. While there are various sites where pulse oximeters can be applied, the earlobe and finger are more suitable due to their consistent blood flow and accessibility.
Choice D rationale:
While applying the pulse oximeter probe to the finger is a common and acceptable practice, in this scenario, edema of the hands could affect the accuracy of the readings. The earlobe is a better choice as it is less likely to be affected by edema and can provide accurate readings.
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