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
This is because the first priority for the nurse is to assess the cause of the vomiting and ensure that the NG tube is working properly. If the suction device is malfunctioning, it could lead to gastric distension, nausea and vomiting. The nurse should check the suction settings, tubing, canister and connections for any problems.
Choice A is wrong because replacing the NG tube is not the first action to take.
The nurse should first rule out other causes of vomiting before attempting to reinsert the tube, which could be uncomfortable and risky for the client.
Choice B is wrong because providing oral hygiene care is not the most urgent action to take.
While oral hygiene care is important for comfort and infection prevention, it does not address the underlying cause of vomiting or prevent further complications.
Choice C is wrong because administering an antiemetic medication is not the most appropriate action to take.
The nurse should first identify the cause of vomiting and correct it if possible.
Giving an antiemetic medication without resolving the problem could mask symptoms and delay treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because a peak flow meter measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs when you blow out as hard and as fast as you can. This is called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or peak expiratory flow (PEF). It shows how open the airways are in the lungs and can help detect early signs of worsening asthma.
Choice A is wrong because maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position during testing is not necessary. You can sit or stand up straight, but make sure you do it the same way each time.
Choice B is wrong because placing tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter can block the air flow and affect the accuracy of the measurement. You should close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece instead.
Choice D is wrong because recording the average of the readings is not recommended.
You should record the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. This is your daily peak flow.
Normal ranges for peak flow vary depending on age, height, gender and race. You can use a chart or calculator to find out your predicted normal peak flow based on these
factors. However, it is more important to find out your personal best peak flow by performing peak flow testing twice a day for two weeks when your asthma is under good control. Your personal best peak flow will be used to create your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider.
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