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

Answer and Explanation

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 technique.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about her own care. It is essential to honor the client's refusal of further treatment, and the nurse should communicate this to the family. In this situation, the client has the capacity to make her own decisions, and her wishes should be respected.

Choice B rationale:

Attempting to persuade the client to participate in the clinical trial for one month is not an appropriate approach. It disregards the client's autonomy and her right to refuse treatment. It's essential to respect the client's decision, and trying to convince her against her will is ethically and legally inappropriate.

Choice D rationale:

While it's important to ensure that the client fully understands the implications of her decision, doing so in front of her children may create additional pressure or discomfort for the client. The best approach is to have a private conversation with the client to assess her understanding and provide information or support as needed.

A. Check the client’s temperature B. Assess the client’s level of consciousness. C. Ask the client about any history of allergies. D. Obtain a blood sample for culture and sensitivity.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Checking the client's temperature is important for assessing the client's condition, but it is not a priority before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for monitoring neurological status, but it is not the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client about any history of allergies is important for assessing potential allergic reactions to medications. However, the most critical action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis is to obtain a blood sample for culture and sensitivity. This action helps identify the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy, as meningitis can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a blood sample for culture and sensitivity is the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis. Identifying the specific pathogen responsible for the infection is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic therapy and preventing complications.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The provider orders penicillin G IV for this client. Before administering the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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