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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. "Describe your concerns about sleeping to me.".
Choice A rationale:
While offering frequent checks can provide some reassurance, it does not address the underlying fear the client is experiencing. It is more of a practical solution rather than a therapeutic one.
Choice B rationale:
Agreeing with the client’s fear without offering a solution or support can increase their anxiety. It is important to acknowledge their feelings but also to provide comfort and reassurance.
Choice C rationale:
Offering sleeping medication might help the client fall asleep, but it does not address the root cause of their fear. It is important to understand and address the client’s concerns directly.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to describe their concerns is a therapeutic approach that encourages them to express their fears.This allows the nurse to understand the client’s perspective and provide appropriate emotional support.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: "Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides."
Choice A rationale:
This statement is correct. The nurse should instruct the client to stand with their feet together and their arms at their sides for a Romberg test. This position helps to assess the client's ability to maintain balance with minimal sensory input, evaluating their proprioception and vestibular function.
Choice B rationale:
The instruction about the tuning fork is unrelated to the Romberg test. The tuning fork is commonly used to assess hearing and vibratory sensations, not balance.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is unrelated to the Romberg test. Mentioning the lateral side of the foot suggests a neurological examination related to assessing reflexes, such as the Babinski reflex.
Choice D rationale:
This instruction pertains to a different test known as the "finger-to-nose" test, which is used to assess coordination, not balance.
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