The nurse is obtaining a systolic blood pressure by palpation. While inflating the cuff, the radial pulse is no longer palpable at 90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Document the absence of the radial pulse.
Release the manometer valve immediately.
Inflate blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg.
Record a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Document the absence of the radial pulse:
While it's important to document findings accurately, it's also crucial to ensure that blood pressure measurements are obtained correctly. If the radial pulse becomes unpalpable before reaching the expected systolic pressure, further action is needed to obtain an accurate measurement.
B. Release the manometer valve immediately:
Releasing the manometer valve immediately would lead to deflating the cuff and potentially missing the opportunity to obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement. This action is not appropriate at this stage.
C. Inflate blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg:
When the radial pulse becomes unpalpable during cuff inflation, it indicates that the cuff pressure is above the systolic pressure. To accurately determine the systolic pressure, the cuff should be inflated to a higher pressure (usually 20-30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse disappears) and then slowly deflated while palpating for the return of the radial pulse.
D. Record a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg:
If the radial pulse is no longer palpable at 90 mm Hg, this suggests that the true systolic pressure is higher than 90 mm Hg. Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg without further action would likely underestimate the true systolic pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. Drink a mixture of warm water, whiskey, and honey at bedtime:
This suggestion is not appropriate as alcohol consumption close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate sleep problems. Additionally, alcohol can interact with medications and pose risks to health.
B. Ask the healthcare provider for a mild sedative for bedtime:
While medication may be prescribed for sleep disturbances in some cases, it should not be the first line of treatment, especially in older adults. Sedatives can have adverse effects and may lead to dependency if used long-term. Non-pharmacological interventions should be tried first.
C. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages late in the day:
This is an appropriate suggestion. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep, so avoiding caffeinated beverages late in the day can help improve sleep quality.
D. Take an afternoon nap to make up for missed sleep:
While napping may be beneficial for some individuals, particularly if they are sleep deprived, it can worsen sleep difficulties in others, especially if taken late in the day. For individuals with insomnia or frequent nighttime awakenings, avoiding naps or limiting them to earlier in the day may be helpful.
E. Establish a regular time for going to bed and getting up:
This is an appropriate suggestion. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes better sleep quality. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, can help synchronize sleep-wake cycles and improve overall sleep patterns.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client will demonstrate ability to change the ostomy bag in two days.
This outcome statement focuses on the client's ability to perform a specific task related to ostomy care. While it's important for clients with a colostomy to learn how to change their ostomy bag, in the context of this scenario, where the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, the priority lies in managing their diabetes and adhering to the medication regimen. Therefore, while ostomy care is important, it may not be the most immediate concern.
B. The client will adhere to the medication regimen after discharge.
This outcome statement directly addresses the client's need to manage their hyperglycemia by adhering to the prescribed insulin regimen. Given that the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, ensuring medication adherence is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This choice aligns with the client's health needs and goals following the surgical procedure and the development of hyperglycemia.
C. The client's breath sounds will be auscultated by the nurse every 4 hours.
This outcome statement focuses on monitoring the client's respiratory status by auscultating breath sounds at regular intervals. While respiratory assessment is important, especially postoperatively, it may not directly address the client's primary health concern in this scenario, which is managing hyperglycemia and insulin administration.
D. The client attempts to self-administer insulin but is unable to perform injection.
This outcome statement indicates the client's attempt to self-administer insulin but inability to perform the injection. While it's important for clients to be able to self-administer insulin, the emphasis in this scenario should be on ensuring that the client adheres to the medication regimen, rather than focusing solely on their ability to self-administer insulin immediately after discharge. Therefore, while self-administration of insulin is relevant, it may not be the most immediate priority in the postoperative plan of care.
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