The nurse is discussing the blood flow pattern of the heart. The nurse should recognize which of the following as the accurate blood flow pattern of the heart?

In this sequence:

Vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from the body into the right atrium.

Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.

The right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary artery to the lungs.

In the lungs, blood is oxygenated and returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins into the left atrium.

From the left atrium, blood moves to the left ventricle through the bicuspid (mitral) valve.

The left ventricle then pumps oxygenated blood into the body through the aorta.

This sequence represents the systemic and pulmonary circulation of the heart.

A. Checks the instrument gauge to ensure the reading starts at zero:

This action is correct. Before taking a blood pressure reading, it's essential to ensure that the instrument's gauge starts at zero. This ensures accurate measurement as the reading reflects the pressure above zero.

B. Centers the cuff bladder over the client's brachial artery:

This action is correct. Proper placement of the blood pressure cuff over the brachial artery is crucial for accurate readings. Centering the cuff ensures that the artery is correctly compressed for measurement.

C. Places the client's arm above the level of the client's heart:

This action is incorrect. Placing the arm above heart level can result in a falsely low blood pressure reading. The arm should be at the same level as the heart to obtain an accurate measurement.

D. Wraps the blood pressure cuff around the client's arm using firm pressure:

This action is correct, but it's important to note that while the cuff should be snug, it should not be too tight or too loose. Wrapping the cuff with firm, even pressure ensures proper compression of the artery for an accurate measurement.