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 C
Explanation
According to the flashcards from Quizlet, a nurse should monitor a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis for contractions, as they are a sign of preterm labor and possible uterine rupture. An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. It can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, leakage of fluid, and injury to the fetus or placenta.
Choice A is wrong because it is not a common complication of amniocentesis.
Epigastric pain is more likely to be associated with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Epigastric pain can indicate severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), which are life- threatening complications that require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because it is not a direct result of amniocentesis.
Hypertension can occur in pregnancy due to various factors, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal stroke.
Choice D is wrong because it is not a typical complication of amniocentesis.
Vomiting can occur in pregnancy due to various causes, such as morning sickness, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition if not treated properly.
Some normal ranges that are relevant for this question are:
- The normal gestational age for delivery is between 37 and 42 weeks.
A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, infection, or low blood sugar.
- The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
A fetal heart rate below 110 or above 160 can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.
- The normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) is between 8 and 18 cm.
An AFI below 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios and can indicate fetal growth restriction, kidney problems, or rupture of membranes.
An AFI above 24 cm is considered polyhydramnios and can indicate fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, or Rh incompatibility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This indicates that the child may be experiencing hemorrhage because they are trying to clear the blood from their throat. Frequent swallowing is one of the initial signs of bleeding immediately after tonsillectomy.
Choice A is wrong because elevated pain level is not a specific sign of hemorrhage. Pain is expected after a tonsillectomy and can be managed with medication and fluids.
Choice B is wrong because increased drowsiness is not a specific sign of hemorrhage. Drowsiness can be caused by anesthesia, medication, or dehydration.
Choice D is wrong because diminished breath sounds are not a specific sign of hemorrhage. Diminished breath sounds can be caused by respiratory infection, asthma, or bronchospasm.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin and hematocrit are 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL and 34 to 45% for children, respectively.
Normal ranges for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for both children and adults. Normal ranges for plasma clotting variables depend on the specific test and method used.
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