A nurse is obtaining a client’s manual blood pressure and is having difficulty auscultating sounds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Apply the largest cuff available.
Use the palpatory method to determine blood pressure.
Place the arm above the level of the client’s heart.
Deflate the cuff quickly.
The Correct Answer is B
This method involves feeling the radial pulse while inflating and deflating the cuff.
The systolic pressure is estimated by noting the pressure at which the pulse disappears and reappears. The diastolic pressure is not measured by this method, but it can be useful when the sounds are difficult to hear.
Choice A is wrong because applying the largest cuff available can result in a falsely low reading. The cuff size should be appropriate for the client’s arm circumference.
Choice C is wrong because placing the arm above the level of the client’s heart can also cause a falsely low reading. The arm should be at the level of the heart for an accurate measurement.
Choice D is wrong because deflating the cuff quickly can lead to missing or skipping sounds, resulting in an inaccurate reading. The cuff should be deflated slowly and evenly.
Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, sex, and health conditions, but generally, a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg are considered normal for adults.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is more difficult to detect in people who have dark skin, so the nurse should look for cyanosis in areas where the skin is thinner and the blood supply is richer, such as the palms of the hands, the lips, the gums, and around the eyes.
These areas are less affected by melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Choice A is wrong because an area of trauma may have bruising or inflammation that can mask cyanosis.
Choice B is wrong because the sacrum is not a good site to assess for cyanosis in any skin tone, as it is prone to pressure ulcers and poor circulation.
Choice C is wrong because the shoulders are not a mucous membrane and may have more melanin than other areas of the body.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Applying warm compresses to the incision site is anticipated for the client, as it can help reduce swelling and pain.
The other choices are contraindicated for the following reasons:
- Choice B: Maintaining bed rest for 2 days postoperatively is contraindicated, as it can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. The client should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery.
- Choice C: Irrigating indwelling urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline is contraindicated, as it can introduce bacteria into the bladder and cause infection. The catheter should be kept patent and draining without irrigation unless there is a specific order from the provider.
- Choice D: Administering enema to relieve constipation is contraindicated, as it can increase the pressure in the pelvic area and cause bleeding or damage to the surgical site. The client should be given stool softeners and laxatives to prevent constipation.
- Choice E: Placing a blanket roll under the client’s knees while in bed is contraindicated, as it can impair blood circulation and cause thrombophlebitis. The client should avoid flexing the knees excessively and elevate the legs slightly when lying down.
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