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. Palpate for pedal edema. B. Assess blood pressure. C. Measure body temperature. D. Observe breathing patterns.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after injury is not indicative of a developing epidural hematoma. An epidural hematoma typically manifests as a lucid interval followed by a rapid deterioration in consciousness hours after the injury.

Choice B rationale:

Cushing reflex (increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations) and cerebral edema after 24 hours are characteristic signs of a developing epidural hematoma. This occurs due to the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the skull, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Choice C rationale:

Headache and pupillary changes 48 hours after head injury are not specific signs of an epidural hematoma. These symptoms may indicate various other neurological conditions or complications.

Choice D rationale:

Fever, nuchal rigidity, and opisthotonos within hours are suggestive of meningitis rather than an epidural hematoma. These symptoms are not typical of epidural hematomas, which primarily involve alterations in consciousness and increased intracranial pressure.

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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 client who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma. In assessing the client, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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