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 technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessment of tobacco use geared toward adolescents. Rationale: While assessing tobacco use is essential for promoting health in adolescents, the question is about developing a class about mental health and addressing the increase in suicides in the community. Assessing tobacco use is not directly related to this topic. Stress self-management techniques are more relevant.
Choice B rationale:
Exploration of stress self-management techniques. Rationale: This is the correct answer. Addressing stress and teaching adolescents self-management techniques is crucial in the context of mental health promotion and suicide prevention. Adolescents often face stressors, and providing them with effective strategies to manage stress can contribute to their overall well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Video with statistics showing trends in suicide rates. Rationale: While providing statistics about suicide rates can be informative, it may not be the most engaging or effective method for teaching adolescents about mental health and stress management. Interactive activities and skill-building exercises are often more beneficial.
Choice D rationale:
Handouts for local substance abuse treatment centers. Rationale: Providing handouts for substance abuse treatment centers
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Nausea can be a significant factor contributing to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this scenario. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and mucositis are mentioned as symptoms in the question stem. Nausea alone does not explain why the client is consuming less than their body requirements.
Choice B rationale:
Fatigue can also contribute to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. While fatigue can be a side effect of cancer treatment and may lead to reduced appetite, the question specifically mentions xerostomia and mucositis as issues contributing to imbalanced nutritional intake.
Choice C rationale:
Pain when eating is the most likely cause of imbalanced nutritional intake in this scenario. The client's laryngeal cancer and the development of mucositis indicate that eating is likely painful for them. This discomfort can significantly deter the client from eating, leading to decreased nutritional intake.
Choice D rationale:
Altered taste sensation can affect food preferences, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. Pain when eating is a more direct and immediate barrier to food intake, especially in the context of mucositis and laryngeal cancer.
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