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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes:

Hyperkalemia can affect neuromuscular function, leading to alterations in deep tendon reflexes. However, determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is more crucial as hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

B. Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm:

This is the most important intervention because hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Monitoring the apical pulse rate and rhythm allows the nurse to detect any abnormalities promptly.

C. Compare muscle strength bilaterally:

Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness or paralysis due to its effects on neuromuscular function. While assessing muscle strength is important, monitoring cardiac function takes precedence because of the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias.

D. Observe color and amount of urine:

Hyperkalemia can affect renal function, leading to changes in urine output and composition. While monitoring urine output and characteristics is important for assessing renal function, it is not the most critical intervention when managing acute hyperkalemia and its potential cardiac effects.

A. Risk for infection. B. Impaired physical mobility. C. Risk for impaired skin integrity. D. Self care deficit.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Risk for infection:

Neuropathy can compromise the ability to detect injuries or wounds on the feet. Consequently, there's a risk of wounds going unnoticed, becoming infected, and leading to serious complications. While preventing infection is important, the primary concern in this scenario is preventing the occurrence of wounds or skin breakdown in the first place.

B. Impaired physical mobility:

Impaired physical mobility may be a concern for clients with neuropathy, especially if it affects their ability to walk or perform activities of daily living. However, in this scenario, the client is reporting increasing numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, indicating a sensory issue rather than a motor one. Therefore, while physical mobility is important, it may not be the immediate priority for promoting foot care in this case.

C. Risk for impaired skin integrity:

This option addresses the potential risk of skin breakdown or damage due to decreased sensation in the lower extremities, which is characteristic of neuropathy. With increasing numbness and tingling, there's a higher risk that the client may not be able to perceive injuries or pressure points, leading to skin damage or ulceration. Preventing skin integrity issues is crucial to avoid complications such as infections or wounds.

D. Self-care deficit:

Neuropathy can indeed impact a person's ability to perform self-care activities, including foot care. However, the priority in this scenario is to prevent complications related to neuropathy, such as skin integrity issues, rather than addressing deficits in self-care abilities. While self-care education and support may be necessary in the long term, immediate intervention to prevent skin breakdown takes precedence.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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