A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about documenting vital signs. Which of the following documentation made by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Pulse 82/min, client sitting in a chair
Temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F)
Respirations auscultated, even at 22/min, client supine
Blood pressure 108/68 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Documenting the pulse as "82/min, client sitting in a chair" is correct and shows an understanding of the teaching. The pulse rate is within the normal range for a resting adult, which is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Additionally, noting the client's position is important as body position can affect pulse rate; sitting can slightly increase the pulse compared to lying down.
Choice B reason: The temperature of "36.9°C (98.4°F)" is within the normal range for body temperature, which is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Documenting the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit is a good practice, as it provides clarity and prevents confusion in clinical settings where different systems may be used.
Choice C reason: The documentation of respirations as "auscultated, even at 22/min, client supine" is appropriate. The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Noting that the respirations are even and the client's position is supine is important, as different positions can affect breathing patterns and rates.
Choice D reason: A blood pressure reading of "108/68 mm Hg" falls within the normal range, which is generally considered to be between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg for adults. Proper documentation of blood pressure includes both systolic and diastolic values, as seen here, which is essential for accurate monitoring and treatment decisions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Positioning the client’s arm above heart level.
Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm
Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to an inaccurately high blood pressure reading, not a low one. A loose cuff does not compress the artery properly, causing the device to overestimate the pressure needed to occlude the artery.
Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime
Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to the body’s metabolic response to digestion. This is not a common cause of a low blood pressure reading.
Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level
Positioning the client’s arm above heart level can lead to an inaccurately low blood pressure reading. When the arm is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in a lower reading. This is a well-known source of error in blood pressure measurement.
Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly
Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause venous congestion, which may lead to an inaccurately high reading rather than a low one. The standard deflation rate is 2-3 mm Hg per second to ensure accurate measurement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The CRIES pain scale is not suitable for a 10-year-old as this scale is designed for neonates, typically those who are 0 to 6 months old.
Choice B reason: A 3-year-old toddler would be better assessed with a pain scale that allows for their level of understanding and communication, such as the Faces Pain Scale-Revised.
Choice C reason: A 4-year-old preschooler can typically communicate their pain verbally or by using a faces pain scale, making the CRIES scale less appropriate.
Choice D reason: The CRIES pain scale is specifically designed for neonates and is appropriate for assessing pain in a 4-day-old infant who cannot verbally communicate their pain.
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