The patient has a history of orthostatic hypotension. What is the priority action of the nurse?
Always take the patient's blood pressure manually using a sphygmomanometer.
Monitor the patient's neurological status carefully for symptoms of a stroke.
Assist the patient to sit and stand slowly when getting out of bed.
Check the patient's blood pressure on a lower extremity using a thigh-sized cuff.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Always take the patient's blood pressure manually using a sphygmomanometer. While manual BP measurements can be more accurate, they are not the priority intervention for orthostatic hypotension, which primarily involves position changes and fall prevention.
B. Monitor the patient's neurological status carefully for symptoms of a stroke. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or fainting, but it is not a direct cause of stroke. Neurological assessment is important if symptoms arise but is not the primary intervention.
C. Assist the patient to sit and stand slowly when getting out of bed. Orthostatic hypotension causes a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, increasing the risk of falls and syncope. The priority action is to help the patient transition slowly from lying to sitting and standing to allow the body to adjust.
D. Check the patient's blood pressure on a lower extremity using a thigh-sized cuff. Lower extremity BP measurements are not standard for managing orthostatic hypotension. Blood pressure should be checked in both lying, sitting, and standing positions to monitor for significant drops.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Take the temperature for 6-8 minutes. Modern digital thermometers provide accurate readings within seconds to a minute, making such a long duration unnecessary.
B. Wear gloves throughout the procedure. Gloves must be worn to maintain infection control and hygiene, as rectal temperature measurement involves contact with mucous membranes and potential exposure to bodily fluids.
C. Place the patient in the prone position. The left lateral (Sims') position is the preferred position for rectal temperature measurement, as it provides better access and comfort.
D. Insert the thermometer 2.5 inches into the patient's anus. For adults, the correct insertion depth is 1.5 inches (3-4 cm), while for infants, it is only 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) to prevent injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perception occurs when the brain interprets pain signals and recognizes them as pain. This step happens after the nerve impulses have been transmitted to the brain.
B. Transduction is the first step in the pain process, where painful stimuli (such as cutting a finger) activate nociceptors, converting the stimulus into an electrical signal.
C. Modulation involves the body’s response to pain signals, where descending nerve pathways release substances like endorphins to inhibit pain transmission. This occurs later in the pain process.
D. Transmission is the process of pain signals traveling from the site of injury to the spinal cord and brain via afferent nerve fibers. This step occurs after transduction and allows pain signals to reach the central nervous system.
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