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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring blood pressure is a general health assessment measure and may not directly contribute to pain relief in a client with migraine headaches. While it's essential to manage blood pressure as part of overall health, this choice does not address the client's specific request for pain relief.
Choice B rationale:
Taking a few days off work may provide some relief from external stressors, but it is not a reliable intervention for migraine pain relief. Migraine management typically involves strategies that directly target headache symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Learning muscle relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing migraine headaches. Relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, can reduce muscle tension and help alleviate headache symptoms. However, it may not be the highest-priority intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Lying down in a dark, quiet room is the most appropriate intervention for obtaining pain relief from a migraine headache. This approach minimizes sensory stimuli, reduces external factors that may exacerbate the headache, and promotes relaxation. It is a well-established non-pharmaceutical method for managing migraine pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the correct answer because it is the best way to assess for signs of ototoxicity, which is a potential adverse effect of aminoglycosides. Ototoxicity is the damage or injury to the inner ear or auditory nerve caused by certain drugs or chemicals. It can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems. Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are effective against gram-negative bacteria, but they can also cause ototoxicity by interfering with the function of the hair cells in the cochlea. The practical nurse (PN) should monitor the client's hearing by asking about any changes in hearing acuity, ringing in the ears, or difficulty understanding speech. The PN should also perform a hearing test using a tuning fork or an audiometer if available. The PN should report any signs of ototoxicity to the health care provider and discontinue the aminoglycoside as ordered.
a) Check for changes in vision.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. Vision is the ability to see and perceive objects and colors using the eyes and the brain. Vision may be affected by various factors, such as age, genetics, eye diseases, injuries, infections, or medications. However, aminoglycosides do not cause vision problems or impairments. The PN should check for changes in vision in a client who is receiving other drugs that can cause ocular toxicity, such as ethambutol, chloroquine, or digoxin.
c) Observe the skin for a rash.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. A rash is a change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin that may be caused by various factors, such as allergies, infections, inflammation, or medications. A rash may present as redness, itching, swelling, blisters, bumps, or scales.
Aminoglycosides can cause skin reactions such as rash or urticaria in some clients who are hypersensitive or allergic to them. The PN should observe the skin for a rash in a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside and report any signs of an allergic reaction to the health care provider. However, a rash is not a sign of ototoxicity.
d) Measure the urinary output.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. Urinary output is the amount of urine produced and excreted by the kidneys and bladder. It is an indicator of renal function and fluid balance. The normal range for urinary output is 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hour for adults. Urinary output may be affected by various factors, such as fluid intake, dehydration, diuretics, kidney disease, or medications. Aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity, which is another potential adverse effect of these drugs. Nephrotoxicity is the damage or injury to the kidneys caused by certain drugs or chemicals. It can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in reduced urine production and oliguria. The PN should measure the urinary output in a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside and report any signs of nephrotoxicity to the health care provider. However, urinary output is not a sign of ototoxicity
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