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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prescribing medication for immediate relief is not the primary goal when establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder. While medication may be a part of the treatment plan, the primary focus should be on building trust and addressing the client's emotional needs.
Choice B rationale:
Educating the client about various relaxation techniques can be beneficial, but it is not the primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship. The primary goal is to create a trusting and supportive environment in which the client feels comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client in challenging irrational thoughts is an important aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy, but it is not the primary goal of establishing the therapeutic relationship. Building rapport and trust come first.
Choice D rationale:
Developing measurable and realistic outcomes is the primary goal when establishing a therapeutic relationship. These outcomes provide a framework for assessing progress and ensuring that the therapeutic interventions are effective in addressing the client's anxiety disorder.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stopping the heparin infusion immediately is essential when the client's aPTT is significantly elevated (in this case, 120 seconds). A prolonged aPTT indicates a higher risk of bleeding, and discontinuing the heparin infusion is a crucial step in preventing further bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Administering protamine sulfate is necessary when a client on heparin therapy experiences excessive bleeding or if the aPTT is significantly elevated. Protamine sulfate acts as a heparin antagonist and can reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
Choice C rationale:
Notifying the healthcare provider of the significantly prolonged aPTT is essential because it may indicate a need for adjustments in the heparin dosage or therapy. The provider can determine the appropriate course of action based on the client's clinical condition.
Choice D rationale:
Drawing a prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) level is not necessary in this situation. PT and INR are more relevant parameters when assessing clients on warfarin therapy, not heparin.
Choice E rationale:
Monitoring the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding is crucial when the aPTT is prolonged, as it indicates a higher risk of bleeding. This action allows for early detection and intervention to prevent complications.
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