A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is collecting data from a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client’s BP was 126/72 mm Hg 15 min ago. The nurse now finds that the client’s BP is 176/96 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Deflate the cuff faster when repeating the BP measurement.
Request a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
Use a narrower cuff to repeat the BP measurement.
Measure the client’s BP in the other arm.
The Correct Answer is D
It's common practice to check blood pressure in both arms when there is a significant discrepancy in blood pressure readings between the arms. This discrepancy could be due to factors like arterial blockages or other conditions. By measuring the blood pressure in the other arm, the nurse can confirm whether the high blood pressure is consistent on both sides or if there was an issue with the initial measurement. This step helps provide a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure.
- The other options are not appropriate at this stage:
Deflating the cuff faster may not resolve the issue and could lead to inaccurate measurements.
Requesting a prescription for an antihypertensive medication should only be done after confirming the blood pressure is consistently elevated and under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Using a narrower cuff is not indicated in this situation. It's more important to assess the other arm's blood pressure to identify any discrepancies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Use a filter needle to aspirate the medication.
This is because a filter needle can prevent glass particles from being drawn into the syringe when aspirating medication from an ampule.
Glass particles can cause harm to the patient if injected.
Choice A is wrong because cleansing the tip of the ampule with an alcohol swab after opening is not necessary and may contaminate the medication.
Choice B is wrong because adding 0.5 mL of diluent to the medication may alter the concentration and dosage of the medication.
Choice D is wrong because injecting air into the ampule prior to drawing the medication into a syringe is not required and may create pressure that can cause the ampule to break.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should respect the client’s autonomy and offer assistance if needed.
The nurse should also assess the client’s pain level and provide adequate pain relief before helping the client get out of bed.
Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client is in pain and needs medication, which may not be true.
The nurse should ask the client about their pain level and offer medication if appropriate.
Choice B is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and does not address the underlying issue of why the client does not want to be touched.
Choice C is wrong because it may make the client feel defensive or interrogated.
The nurse should use open-ended questions and active listening to explore the client’s concerns and fears.
According to web sources, postoperative care involves monitoring and managing the client’s vital signs, pain, wound healing, fluid and electrolyte balance, bowel and bladder function, mobility, and psychological status.
The nurse should also educate the client about self-care, wound care, activity restrictions, medication use, signs of complications, and follow-up appointments.
The nurse should also provide emotional support and reassurance to the client and their family.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today