The practical nurse (PN) observes a newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is counting a client's radial pulse as seen in the picture. Which action should the PN take?
Instruct the UAP to report any abnormal findings.
Remind the UAP to check the client's pulse volume.
Demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP.
Confirm the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP.
The Correct Answer is C
- A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate.
- To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse.
- In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A, B, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because instructing the UAP to report any abnormal findings does not address the error in technique.
Option B is incorrect because reminding the UAP to check the pulse volume does not address the error in technique.
Option D is incorrect because confirming the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP does not address the error in the technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates impaired renal function, which can be caused by dehydration, infection, or nephrotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of renal failure. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse, as it may require fluid replacement, dose adjustment, or discontinuation of the chemotherapy.
The other options are not correct because:
- Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy that can be managed with antiemetics, hydration, and dietary modifications. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by chemotherapy or other factors. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
- A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. Chemotherapy can cause thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding. The PN should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, but this finding is not as urgent as a high BUN level.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Correct- Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation ensures the client's oxygen levels remain within an acceptable range.
B) Incorrect - Discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options is not warranted based on the provided information. The current treatment plan includes appropriate interventions.
C) Incorrect - Obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying infections, but it's not an immediate action in the context of the client's current symptoms.
D) Correct- Promoting comfort can help reduce anxiety and potentially improve breathing.
E) Correct- Educating the client about potential triggers supports better self-management.
F) Incorrect - Considering positive pressure ventilation is not indicated at this stage. The client's symptoms are being managed with other interventions.
G) Incorrect - Weaning supplemental oxygen is not mentioned in the patient data or nurses' notes as something that's currently necessary.
H) Incorrect - Preparing for deep tracheal suctioning is not warranted based on the patient data and the current treatment plan.
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