A nurse is assessing a client’s radial pulse and determines that the pulse is irregular. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assess the pedal pulses with a doppler device
Asses the apical pulse with a doppler device
Assess the apical pulse for a full minute
Assess the pedal pulses for a full minute
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assess the pedal pulses with a Doppler device:
Assessing the pedal pulses with a Doppler device may be useful in certain situations, but when the radial pulse is irregular, it's more important to assess the central (apical) pulse to get a more accurate representation of the heart's rhythm.
B. Assess the apical pulse with a Doppler device:
While using a Doppler device on the apical pulse is an option, it's generally not the first choice when assessing irregular pulses. The apical pulse can often be palpated manually, and it's more practical to assess it directly for irregularities.
C. Assess the apical pulse for a full minute:
This is the recommended action when the radial pulse is irregular. By assessing the apical pulse for a full minute, the nurse can accurately determine the heart rate and identify any irregularities in rhythm, providing a comprehensive assessment of the cardiac status.
D. Assess the pedal pulses for a full minute:
While assessing the pedal pulses is important in certain situations, it may not be the priority when dealing with an irregular radial pulse. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute gives a more direct and accurate reflection of the heart's rhythm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Client reports feeling dizzy when sitting up from a supine position.
Dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from a lying down to a sitting or standing position can be indicative of orthostatic hypotension.
B. Client reports feeling palpitations when rising from a supine to a standing position.
Palpitations (feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat) can be associated with orthostatic changes and may indicate the heart's compensatory response to low blood pressure.
C. Erythema is present on the bilateral lower extremities.
Erythema (redness of the skin) is not typically associated with orthostatic hypotension. This symptom is more likely related to skin conditions or other causes.
D. The client has a temperature of 100.4 F.
Fever (elevated body temperature) is not a direct symptom of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is primarily related to changes in blood pressure upon assuming an upright position.
E. The client states, “I feel lightheaded when sitting up.”
Lightheadedness upon sitting up or standing is a common symptom of orthostatic hypotension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Redo the initial assessment and document current findings:
This option suggests repeating the entire initial assessment. While reassessment is important, redoing the entire initial assessment may not be necessary. Instead, a focused assessment on the specific area of concern (skin integrity) is more appropriate.
B. Perform and document a focused assessment of skin integrity:
This is the recommended choice. If unexpected findings are observed during care, such as reddened areas over bony prominences, it is important to conduct a focused assessment on the skin to identify any issues and document the findings accurately.
C. Correct the initial assessment form:
Simply correcting the initial assessment form may not address the immediate need for assessing and addressing the reddened areas. It is more crucial to perform a focused assessment on the skin.
D. Conduct and document an emergency assessment:
Reddened areas over bony prominences may not necessarily indicate an emergency. However, addressing the issue promptly is important. A focused assessment would be more appropriate than conducting a full emergency assessment.
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