A nurse is checking a client for a pulse deficit after detecting an irregular heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Count the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously with another nurse.
Calculate the client's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
Assist the client to a side-lying position.
Auscultate the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A.
Choice A rationale:
Count the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously with another nurse. Rationale: In the presence of an irregular heart rate, a pulse deficit might indicate a discrepancy between the peripheral (radial) and central (apical) pulses. Counting the pulses simultaneously with another nurse helps to accurately assess this deficit. By comparing the two pulse rates, the nurse can identify if there is a difference, which might indicate inadequate circulation or irregular heartbeats that aren't effectively transmitting to the peripheral arteries.
Choice B rationale:
Calculate the client's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Rationale: While calculating the pulse rate for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 is a valid method to determine the heart rate, it doesn't address the specific concern of a pulse deficit. This approach might help in assessing the overall heart rate but doesn't provide information about potential irregularities or discrepancies between peripheral and central pulses.
Choice C rationale:
Assist the client to a side-lying position. Rationale: Assisting the client to a side-lying position doesn't directly relate to the assessment of a pulse deficit. The position of the client wouldn't significantly impact the assessment of irregular heart rates or pulse deficits.
Choice D rationale:
Auscultate the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point. Rationale: Auscultating the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point is a technique used to assess heart sounds, particularly the S2 heart sound. This technique is not relevant to assessing a pulse deficit. It can provide information about heart valve function but doesn't help in evaluating a discrepancy between peripheral and central pulses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C: 3+ pitting edema.
Choice A rationale:
1+ pitting edema refers to mild pitting edema. It is characterized by a slight indentation that disappears rapidly. A measurement of 6 mm edema is beyond the scope of 1+ pitting edema.
Choice B rationale:
2+ pitting edema indicates moderate pitting edema. It is characterized by a deeper indentation that takes a few seconds to rebound. While 6 mm edema might be associated with 2+ pitting edema, it is not the most accurate description.
Choice C rationale:
3+ pitting edema signifies moderately severe pitting edema. It is characterized by a noticeable indentation that remains for a short duration. A measurement of 6 mm edema aligns with 3+ pitting edema, making it the correct choice.
Choice D rationale:
4+ pitting edema represents severe pitting edema. It is characterized by a deep indentation that persists for a significant amount of time. 6 mm edema is not typically associated with 4+ pitting edema.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: "I should remove constrictive clothing prior to measuring my blood pressure."
Choice A rationale:
"I will wait 15 minutes after drinking coffee to measure my blood pressure." Caffeine intake can temporarily elevate blood pressure, so waiting 15 minutes after drinking coffee is a good practice. However, this is not the most relevant instruction to ensure accurate blood pressure measurement.
Choice B rationale:
"I will measure my blood pressure while my arm is elevated above my heart." Measuring blood pressure with the arm elevated above the heart can result in artificially low readings. The arm should be supported at heart level for accurate results. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
"I should remove constrictive clothing prior to measuring my blood pressure." This is the correct choice. Constrictive clothing can impact blood flow and give inaccurate readings. Removing tight clothing ensures the blood pressure cuff can be appropriately placed and that the measurements are reliable.
Choice D rationale:
"I should measure my blood pressure immediately after eating breakfast." Blood pressure can be affected by food intake, so it's recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before measuring blood pressure. This choice is not accurate as immediate post-breakfast measurements may not provide accurate results.
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