After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound.
Which action should the nurse take next?

Continue with the blood pressure assessment.

Reposition the stethoscope over the brachial artery.

Reinflate the cuff to a higher number.

Note the presence of an auscultatory gap.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Continue with the blood pressure assessment. Continuing with the blood pressure assessment without addressing the observed auscultatory gap could lead to an inaccurate reading. It's important to investigate and note the presence of an auscultatory gap before proceeding with the assessment.

Choice B rationale:

Reposition the stethoscope over the brachial artery. Repositioning the stethoscope may not resolve the issue of hearing silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. It is important to assess the situation further before making adjustments.

Choice C rationale:

Reinflate the cuff to a higher number. Reinflating the cuff to a higher number without addressing the auscultatory gap can result in an inaccurate reading. The presence of an auscultatory gap should be noted and managed appropriately.

Choice D rationale:

Note the presence of an auscultatory gap. This is the correct choice. An auscultatory gap is a temporary disappearance of sounds during the blood pressure measurement, and it may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues. The nurse should note its presence, document it, and take appropriate action if necessary.

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 D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Providing information about the client's healthcare power of attorney is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client's change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale:

While the reason for the client's admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client's acute change in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should be aware of the client's currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client's sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client's altered mental status.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client's immediate needs.

A. Wheeze B. Rhonchi C. Stridor. D. Fine crackles.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Based on the provided audio clip, the sound heard is a high-pitched, continuous, musical sound. This sound is characteristic of wheezing, which is caused by the narrowing of the airways due to inﬂammation, bronchoconstriction, or the presence of mucus. Wheezing is commonly associated with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchitis.

Let's evaluate the other options:

b) Rhonchi: Rhonchi are low-pitched, coarse, ratling sounds that typically indicate the presence of mucus or ﬂuid in the larger airways. Rhonchi are often heard in conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis, but they are diﬀerent from the high-pitched wheezing sound heard in the audio clip.

c) Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh, and crowing sound that is heard during inspiration. It is often associated with upper airway obstruction, such as in cases of croup, epiglottitis, or a foreign body obstruction. The sound in the audio clip does not match the characteristics of stridor.

d) Fine crackles: Fine crackles are discontinuous, high-pitched, and brief sounds that are typically heard during inspiration. They are often described as "velcro-like" or "rice crispies" and are associated with conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or congestive heart failure. The sound in the audio clip does not resemble fine crackles.

In summary, the sound in the provided audio clip is best described as wheezing, characterized by a high- pitched, continuous, musical sound. Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) should document this sound as "wheeze."

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

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. Which action should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) is auscultating a client's lung sounds. Which description should the PN use to document this sound? (Please listen to the audio clip provided). Audio: [Wheezing sound]

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After receiving a change of shift report for clients on a medical surgical unit, which task should the nurse assign to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

A 5-year-old child with a history of a waddling gait and frequent falls is brought into the hospital for diagnostic testing. When explaining the diagnostic testing to the parents, the nurse should provide information based on which understanding of the underlying disease pathology?

A client with renal calculi is experiencing hematuria and reports severe flank pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

After an increase in the number of suicides in a community, the nurse is developing a class for adolescents about mental health. Which type of activity should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is planning care for a client with a phobia. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

A nurse is planning recreational activities for a group of patients who are receiving rehabilitation and restorative care. Which of the following factors should the nurse consider when selecting appropriate activities? (Select all that apply.).

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound.
Which action should the nurse take next?