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 ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
The nurse should give the client one simple direction at a time, reinforce orientation to time, place, and person, and establish eye contact when communicating with the client.
These interventions can help the client with dementia to understand and follow instructions, reduce confusion and anxiety, and enhance communication.
Choice A is wrong because allowing the client to choose among a variety of activities each day can overwhelm and frustrate the client with dementia.
The nurse should provide a structured and consistent daily routine for the client.
Choice E is wrong because refuting the client’s delusions using logic can increase the client’s agitation and distrust.
The nurse should use validation therapy to acknowledge the client’s feelings and emotions without arguing or correcting the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because continuous enteral feedings through an NG tube can increase the risk of aspiration, which is the inhalation of food or fluids into the lungs. Measuring gastric residual volumes (GRV) can help monitor the tolerance and absorption of the feedings and prevent overfeeding. GRV is the amount of fluid aspirated from the stomach via an enteral tube to check for gastric emptying. The normal range of GRV is less than 200 ml.
Choice B is wrong because advancing the rate of the feeding every 2 hr can lead to overfeeding, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The rate of the feeding should be adjusted according to the client’s nutritional needs and tolerance.
Choice C is wrong because maintaining the head of the bed at a 20° angle is not enough to prevent aspiration. The head of the bed should be elevated at least 30° to 45° during and for at least one hour after feeding.
Choice D is wrong because flushing the NG tube with 30 mL 0.9% sodium chloride before and after medication is not related to continuous enteral feedings. This is a practice to prevent clogging of the tube and ensure proper delivery of medication. Flushing the tube with water before and after feeding is also recommended to maintain patency and hydration.
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