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 A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Perform a bladder scan.
Choice A rationale:
Performing a bladder scan is the first action the nurse should take before proceeding with intermittent urinary catheterization. A bladder scan assesses the bladder's volume and determines if catheterization is necessary. It helps avoid unnecessary catheterizations, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes patient comfort.
Choice B rationale:
While cleansing the meatus and providing perineal care are important steps in preparing for urinary catheterization, they come after assessing the need for catheterization. Without knowing the bladder volume, these actions could be premature.
Choice C rationale:
Providing perineal care is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection, but it should be done after the decision for catheterization has been made based on the bladder scan results.
Choice D rationale:
Lubricating the catheter is a step that should be taken after the decision for catheterization is made and the need for catheterization is confirmed. It helps ease the insertion process and reduce discomfort for the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Notify the charge nurse of the client’s concerns.
Choice A rationale:
Offering information about alternative therapies is not appropriate in this situation. The nurse’s role is to ensure the client understands the current procedure and to address their concerns, not to suggest alternatives unless directed by the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Contacting a family member to convince the client to change their mind is not ethical. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made by the client, based on their understanding and consent, not under pressure from family members.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client the benefits of the surgery might be helpful, but it does not address the client’s lack of understanding about the procedure. The nurse should ensure the client has all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the charge nurse of the client’s concerns is the correct action. The charge nurse can facilitate further discussion with the surgeon to ensure the client receives the necessary information and support to make an informed decision. This ensures that the client’s autonomy and right to informed consent are respected.
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