In assessing the apical heart rate of an adult, in what order should the practical nurse (PN) perform the needed tasks?
Expose the left side of the chest.
Locate the point of maximal impulse.
Position the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
Listen for heart sounds.
The Correct Answer is A,B,C,D
A. Exposing the left side of the chest is the first step to access the area where the apical pulse is assessed. This step ensures that the nurse has clear access to the chest for auscultation.
B. Locating the point of maximal impulse (PMI) is the next step once the chest is exposed. The PMI, typically located at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line, is where the heart’s apex is closest to the chest wall.
C. Positioning the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the PMI is the step where the actual auscultation begins. The diaphragm is used to listen for heart sounds.
D. Listening for heart sounds at the PMI is the final step to assess the apical heart rate. This step completes the assessment by allowing the PN to count the heart rate and evaluate the rhythm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Explaining that the advanced directives form helps identify personal health care wishes for any future health event is crucial because it clarifies the importance of the form in planning for future health care decisions, even if the client is not currently ill.
B. Acknowledging the client’s concerns and notifying the healthcare provider is less immediate and does not directly address the client's understanding of the advanced directives form.
C. Asking a family member about the client's wishes is unnecessary since the client has communicated his own wishes and concerns, and the focus should be on informing the client about the form.
D. Documenting the client’s refusal is important but secondary to educating the client on the purpose and importance of advanced directives.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A preschooler who had an emergency appendectomy should be checked first. Children are at higher risk for complications due to their size and the stress of emergency surgery, so close monitoring is essential.
B. An adult with osteomyelitis post-surgery is important to monitor but is generally at lower immediate risk compared to a young child following emergency surgery.
C. A post-menopausal client with breast cancer who had a lumpectomy is also a priority, but the immediate postoperative period for a child in emergency surgery takes precedence.
D. An adolescent with type 1 diabetes who had cholecystectomy requires careful monitoring, but the child’s higher risk in the immediate postoperative phase makes them the priority.
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