A nurse is assessing a client’s circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?
Carotid
Brachial
Popliteal
Femoral
The Correct Answer is A
A. Carotid
The nurse should avoid assessing the carotid pulses bilaterally at the same time. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels supplying the head and neck with oxygenated blood. Simultaneously assessing both carotid pulses could potentially compromise blood flow to the brain, leading to a decrease in cerebral perfusion. This is particularly important in individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease or other conditions affecting blood flow to the brain.
B. Brachial:
Assessing the brachial pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The brachial pulses are located in the upper arms.
C. Popliteal:
Assessing the popliteal pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The popliteal pulses are located behind the knee.
D. Femoral:
Assessing the femoral pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The femoral pulses are located in the groin area.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carotid
The nurse should avoid assessing the carotid pulses bilaterally at the same time. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels supplying the head and neck with oxygenated blood. Simultaneously assessing both carotid pulses could potentially compromise blood flow to the brain, leading to a decrease in cerebral perfusion. This is particularly important in individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease or other conditions affecting blood flow to the brain.
B. Brachial:
Assessing the brachial pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The brachial pulses are located in the upper arms.
C. Popliteal:
Assessing the popliteal pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The popliteal pulses are located behind the knee.
D. Femoral:
Assessing the femoral pulses bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The femoral pulses are located in the groin area.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ask the client if she is having pain.
This option recognizes the potential relationship between pain and elevated blood pressure. Assessing the client for pain is crucial, as pain can contribute to increased blood pressure.
B. Request a prescription for an antianxiety medication.
This option assumes that anxiety might be the cause of the elevated blood pressure. However, without further assessment, it may not be appropriate to jump to prescribing medication for anxiety.
C. Request a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
Initiating antihypertensive medication without further assessment may not be the most appropriate first step, especially if the elevated blood pressure is related to pain or another temporary factor.
D. Return in 30 minutes to recheck the client’s blood pressure.
While monitoring blood pressure is important, waiting 30 minutes without further assessment or intervention might delay addressing the underlying issue, especially if it is related to pain or another acute problem.
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