A nurse performing an assessment would correctly note that an absent pulse in one or more of the extremities indicates

Decreased plasma volume.

Problems with the heart's electrical conduction system.

Shock.

A blockage of blood flow.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Decreased plasma volume might cause overall weak pulses but would unlikely cause an absent pulse specifically localized in one or more extremities. Decreased plasma volume generally affects circulation systemically, not selectively in certain limbs.
B.   Problems with the heart's electrical conduction system primarily affect the rhythm and rate of the heart but do not directly cause absent pulses in extremities. These issues lead to irregular or abnormal heartbeats, not localized absence of pulses.
C.   Shock can result in weak or thready pulses due to poor blood flow, but shock alone would not typically cause a pulse to be completely absent in one extremity while present in others. Shock affects the circulatory system as a whole.

D.   A blockage of blood flow is the most likely cause of an absent pulse in one or more extremities. This could be due to atherosclerosis, embolism, or thrombosis, which can obstruct blood flow in specific areas, leading to no detectable pulse in those extremities.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A: Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, typically defined as a respiratory rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute.
B: Bradypnea is characterized by abnormally slow breathing, with a respiratory rate below the normal range.
C: Eupnea describes normal breathing, with a respiratory rate within the typical range for the patient's age and health status.
D: Apnea is the absence of breathing, not merely a decreased rate, and is considered a medical emergency.

A. It is common for intestinal peristalsis to slow down as a person ages, causing problems with constipation. B. Aging patients always have difficulty having a bowel movement while hospitalized C. Elderly patients almost always abuse laxatives, which creates problems with constipation. D. In elderly patients, the rectal sphincter has lost elasticity, which decreases the sensation of urgency.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: Due to age-related reductions in gastrointestinal muscle efficiency, which slows the digestive process and can lead to increased water absorption from stool.
B: Overstates the issue, not all elderly patients experience difficulties, and it does not account for individual variability or other influencing factors like diet and medication.
C: Misrepresents the frequency and reasons for laxative use among the elderly, not all of whom misuse these medications.
D: While changes in rectal sphincter elasticity can affect some elderly individuals, it is less commonly a direct cause of constipation compared to decreased peristalsis.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse performing an assessment would correctly note that an absent pulse in one or more of the extremities indicates

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a sedated patient whose respiratory rate has fallen below 12 respirations per minute. The nurse identifies this condition as

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During the physical assessment, the nurse asks an elderly female patient if she experiences constipation. The nurse knows that

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a patient. When collecting objective and subjective data, the nurse identifies subjective data as

A nurse is preparing to assess a client for a pulse deficit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

A nurse is collecting data on a client to check for orthostatic hypotension. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is unable to palpate a client's dorsalis pedis pulse. The nurse will next attempt to palpate the

A nurse is preparing to obtain an electronic blood pressure measurement on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The nurse gives the patient the following instructions: "Focus on the far wall and now focus on my pen." The nurse is assessing the

At the staff education meeting, the nurse explains that it is important to use four senses (sight, touch, hearing, and smell) to determine whether a patient is exhibiting signs of illness or injury. These signs of illness or injury are

When performing a thorough physical assessment on a patient, the licensed practical nurse (LPN) begins collecting primary data. An example of primary data is that