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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Suctions secretions from the posterior pharynx:

Suctioning secretions from the posterior pharynx is an appropriate action to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration in an unconscious client. This action indicates proper understanding of oral care principles.

B. Tests for a gag reflex before performing oral care:

Testing for a gag reflex before performing oral care is an important safety measure, especially in unconscious clients, to prevent aspiration or airway obstruction. This action indicates proper assessment and consideration of the client's protective reflexes.

C. Places the client in a supine position:

Placing an unconscious client in a supine position during oral care can increase the risk of aspiration, as it may impair the client's ability to manage oral secretions. The preferred position for oral care in unconscious clients is typically a side-lying position to facilitate drainage of oral secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration.

D. Uses an oral airway to keep the teeth apart:

Using an oral airway to keep the teeth apart is not a standard practice for oral care in unconscious clients and may not be necessary. Proper positioning of the client's head and jaw manipulation can often provide adequate access for oral care without the need for an oral airway.

A. Auscultate the bowel sounds in all four quadrants. B. Palpate the client's pedal pulse volume bilaterally. C. Determine the elasticity of the client's skin turgor. D. Observe the client's skin and mucous membranes.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Auscultate the bowel sounds in all four quadrants:

Auscultating bowel sounds is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is more appropriate for evaluating gastrointestinal function and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

B. Palpate the client's pedal pulse volume bilaterally:

Palpating pedal pulse volume is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is more appropriate for evaluating peripheral vascular perfusion and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

C. Determine the elasticity of the client's skin turgor:

Assessing skin turgor elasticity is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is typically performed to evaluate hydration status and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

D. Observe the client's skin and mucous membranes:

This is the most appropriate assessment during nasopharyngeal suctioning. Observing the client's skin and mucous membranes helps monitor for signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis, pallor, or increased respiratory effort. It also allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of airway clearance and potential complications related to the procedure.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes a practical nurse (PN) performing oral care on an unconscious client. Which action by the PN indicates to the nurse the need for additional training?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which client assessment should the nurse perform during nasopharyngeal suctioning?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is admitted to the rehabilitation unit following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which resulted in paralysis of the right arm. When the nurse enters the room, the client is struggling to put on a shirt, and curses at the nurse. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

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?

The nurse is interviewing a client with lower abdominal pain and dysuria, and needs to question the client about sexual activity. Which approach is best for the nurse to use?

A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which Intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

A client who had emergency gallbladder surgery yesterday is getting ready for discharge. The client speaks very little English. When teaching wound care, which method should the nurse use to evaluate the client's understanding of self care at home?

When providing health teaching to older adult clients, which action is most important for the nurse to implement?