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 C

Explanation

A. Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle:

Elevating the head of the bed can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. While this intervention is important, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.

B. Lift and lock the side rails in place:

Ensuring the safety of the client by lifting and locking the side rails is important, but it does not directly address the client's OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.

C. Apply the client's positive airway pressure device:

This is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.

D. Remove dentures or other oral appliance:

While removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.

A. Inject In abdominal area at least 2 in (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus. B. Rotate injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas. C. Expel the air in the prefilled syringe prior to Injection. D. Massage the injection site to increase absorption.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Inject in abdominal area at least 2 in (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus:

This instruction is accurate and appropriate for the administration of low molecular weight heparin subcutaneously. Injecting into the abdominal area at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the umbilicus is a commonly recommended site for subcutaneous injections due to the availability of subcutaneous tissue and the reduced risk of injury to underlying structures.

B. Rotate injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas:

While rotation of injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage and lipodystrophy, for subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin, the abdomen is typically the preferred site due to better absorption and reduced risk of complications. Therefore, rotating between the abdomen and gluteal areas may not be necessary or recommended for this specific medication.

C. Expel the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection:

Expelling air from the prefilled syringe is a standard practice to ensure accurate dosing and prevent air embolism, but it is not specific to the administration of low molecular weight heparin. This instruction should be included in general injection technique education but is not specific to the administration of this medication.

D. Massage the injection site to increase absorption:

Massaging the injection site after administration of low molecular weight heparin is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation at the injection site. Massaging the site is generally contraindicated for anticoagulant injections to avoid disrupting the clotting process.

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