A nurse is caring for a group of clients on an infectious disease unit.
The nurse should wear an N95 respirator mask when caring for a client who has which of the following disorders?

Choice A rationale:

A suffix is a word part that is added to the end of a root word to modify its meaning. For example, in the medical term "cardiologist," the suffix '-ologist' means a specialist or expert. A suffix is placed at the end of a root word or a combining form to create a specific medical term.

Choice B rationale:

A word root is the foundational part of a medical term. It contains the core meaning of the term and is not usually modified by prefixes or suffixes. For instance, in the term "cardiology," 'cardi-' is the word root, representing the heart. Word roots provide the essential meaning of the medical term.

Choice C rationale:

A prefix is a word part that is added to the beginning of a root word or a combining form to modify its meaning. Prefixes are important in medical terminology as they indicate locations, numbers, or time. For example, in the term "prehypertension," the prefix 'pre-' means before. Prefixes are added at the beginning of a word.

Choice D rationale:

A combining form is a word root combined with a vowel (usually 'o') that can be joined with other word parts to create a medical term. Combining forms are used as a connector to join a root word and a suffix or another root word. For example, in the term "gastritis," 'gastr-' is the combining form, representing the stomach. Combining forms facilitate the construction of complex medical terms.

Choice A rationale:

This option is incorrect. Counting a regular pulse for 30 seconds and doubling the number is an appropriate method for assessing heart rate, not peripheral pulses. When assessing peripheral pulses, it is important to count the pulses directly for a full minute to accurately determine the pulse rate. This ensures that any irregularities or variations in the pulse rate are captured.

Choice B rationale:

This option is incorrect. Palpating the femoral artery in the groin is a standard method for assessing peripheral pulses. It is not a safety issue when performed correctly. However, the question asks about a safety issue related to assessing peripheral pulses.

Choice C rationale:

Palpating both carotid pulses at the same time is a safety issue when assessing peripheral pulses. Simultaneously palpating both carotid pulses can lead to excessive pressure on the carotid sinuses, which are baroreceptors located in the carotid arteries. Stimulation of these baroreceptors can result in a reflex decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a condition known as carotid sinus hypersensitivity. This can cause dizziness, fainting, or, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is essential to avoid palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously to prevent adverse reactions in clients, especially those with cardiovascular issues.

Choice D rationale:

Palpating the radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist is a standard method for assessing peripheral pulses. It is a safe and commonly used technique for evaluating radial pulse rate, rhythm, and amplitude. .