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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client’s oxygen saturation is 88% on 2 L/min of oxygen via nasal cannula, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%.

This could indicate that the client is not receiving enough oxygen or that the pulse oximeter is not working properly.

The nurse should first check the sensor probe for any problems, such as poor attachment, nail polish, cold extremities, or motion artifact.

Repositioning the sensor probe may improve the accuracy of the reading and help the nurse determine the next course of action.

Choice B. Apply a cooling blanket to the client is wrong because a cooling blanket is used to lower the body temperature of a client with fever or hyperthermia.

It has no effect on the oxygen saturation level.

Choice C. Place the client in a side-lying position is wrong because a side-lying position may not improve the oxygenation of the client.

A more appropriate position would be a high Fowler’s position, which allows for maximum lung expansion and gas exchange.

Choice D. Ambulate the client is wrong because ambulating the client may worsen the oxygen saturation level if the client has a respiratory condition that causes hypoxemia.

The nurse should assess the client’s respiratory status and oxygen therapy before ambulating the client.

A. Elevate the client’s feet with two pillows. B. Raise the head of the client’s bed to a 30° angle. C. Raise the head of the client’s bed to a 60° angle. D. Place a pillow under the client’s flexed leg.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Placing a pillow under the client’s flexed leg is part of the Sims’ position, which is a way of lying on the left side, with the right hip and knee bent and the left arm behind the back.

It is used for vaginal and colonic examinations and natural childbirth.

Choice A is wrong because positioning the client’s arms at his sides is not part of the Sims’ position.

The left arm should be behind the back.

Choice B is wrong because elevating the client’s feet with two pillows is not part of the Sims’ position.

The lower leg should be straightened and the upper leg should be bent.

Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the client’s bed to a 30° angle is not part of the Sims’ position.

The bed should be flat or slightly tilted.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is monitoring a client’s oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter. The client’s oxygen saturation is 88% on 2 L/min of oxygen via nasal cannula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is planning to place a client into the Sims’ position. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?