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
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 A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. A client who is ambulatory and receiving oxygen should be evacuated first during a fire because they are at risk of fire and explosion from the oxygen source. The nurse should instruct the staff to turn off the oxygen supply, remove the oxygen device from the client, and assist them to walk out of the building using the nearest exit.
Choice B is wrong because a client who uses a wheelchair and is confused is not in immediate danger from the fire. They can be evacuated using a swing carry or an extremity carry by two staff members after the clients who are more vulnerable are evacuated.
Choice C is wrong because a client who is bedridden and wears a hearing aid is not in immediate danger from the fire. They can be evacuated using a cradle drop by one staff member after the clients who are more vulnerable are evacuated.
Choice D is wrong because a client who has a fracture and is in balance suspension traction is not in immediate danger from the fire. They can be evacuated using a special device such as a sked or a sled by two or more staff members after the clients who are more vulnerable are evacuated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Completing an incident report is not the correct action. An incident report should be completed as part of the hospital's protocol to document the medication error and ensure appropriate follow-up and investigation.
Choice B reason:
Checking the client for indications of bleeding is the correct action to be taken. In this situation, the nurse's first priority should be to assess the client for indications of bleeding, as the client received a significantly higher dose of IV heparin than prescribed. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, and an overdose can increase the risk of bleeding.
After administering the wrong dose of medication, the nurse's immediate concern is the client's safety and well-being. Checking for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, ecchymosis, hematomas, bleeding gums, melena (black, tarry stools), haematuria (blood in urine), or any other unusual bleeding, is crucial.
Choice C reason:
Monitor the client's aPTT levels: This is not the correct action to be taken. Monitoring the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels is essential to assess the client's coagulation status and determine if the overdose of heparin has affected their clotting ability. The healthcare provider may adjust the heparin dosage based on the aPTT levels.
Choice D reason:
Notify the risk manager: This is not the correct action to be taken. The risk manager or appropriate supervisor should be informed about the medication error as soon as possible to initiate a thorough review of the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar errors in the future.
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