A nurse is preparing to assess a client for pulse deficit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the client's apical pulse while another nurse measures their radial pulse.
After inflation, deflate a blood pressure cuff on the client's arm while palpating their brachial pulse.
Compare the client's carotid pulse while resting to their carotid pulse after standing for 1 min.
Assess both of the client's radial pulses at the same time and compare the quality of pulsations.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Measure the client's apical pulse while another nurse measures their radial pulse: Assessing for a pulse deficit involves comparing the apical and radial pulses simultaneously. A difference between the two indicates that not all heartbeats are reaching peripheral circulation, often seen in arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
B. After inflation, deflate a blood pressure cuff on the client's arm while palpating their brachial pulse: This method is used for measuring blood pressure, not for identifying pulse deficits. It does not provide information on the difference between central and peripheral pulse rates.
C. Compare the client's carotid pulse while resting to their carotid pulse after standing for 1 min: This assesses for orthostatic changes, not pulse deficit. Pulse deficit requires comparison of apical and radial pulses, not positional changes in carotid pulse strength or rate.
D. Assess both of the client's radial pulses at the same time and compare the quality of pulsations: Comparing bilateral radial pulses helps detect differences in circulation or vessel obstruction but does not assess for a pulse deficit, which specifically involves apical-radial pulse comparison.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Temperature: The client's temperature decreased from 38.6°C (101.5°F) to 37.1°C (98.9°F), indicating that the febrile response to infection has resolved. This trend supports the effectiveness of the antibiotic therapy initiated on postpartum day 3.
B. Hgb: Hemoglobin dropped from 11.1 to 10 g/dL, which may reflect continued postpartum blood loss or hemodilution. This decline does not indicate improvement and may require monitoring for worsening anemia.
C. Heart rate; Heart rate improved from 110/min to 78/min, demonstrating reduced physiologic stress and better cardiovascular stability. This aligns with the drop in temperature and suggests systemic recovery from infection.
D. Fundal height; The fundus decreased from 1 cm above the umbilicus to 4 cm below, showing normal postpartum involution. A firm, midline uterus without excessive tenderness also supports clinical improvement.
E. Lochia: Lochia changed from moderate, dark brown, and foul-smelling to a small amount of brownish-red with no odor, which suggests resolving endometrial infection. This progression is typical in healthy postpartum recovery.
F. WBC count: The WBC count normalized from 33,000/mm³ to 10,000/mm³, reflecting resolution of systemic inflammation or infection. This is consistent with decreasing temperature and improved vital signs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Palpate the client's bladder in 1 hour: Waiting another hour to assess the bladder delays intervention. At 10 hours postpartum with no void, immediate action is needed to stimulate voiding or assess for urinary retention.
B. Place the client's hands in a bowl of cold water: This technique is more commonly used in children and is less effective in stimulating voiding in postpartum adults. It is not a first-line strategy in this context.
C. Have the client listen to running water while on the toilet: This is a noninvasive and effective method to stimulate the urge to void by triggering the micturition reflex. It can help relax pelvic muscles and encourage urination postpartum.
D. Perform effleurage over the client's lower abdomen: Effleurage is a light massage technique used primarily for labor pain management. It is not a recognized or effective method to promote urination in postpartum care.
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