The practical nurse (PN) palpates a client's radial pulse and notes that the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied. How should the PN document this finding?
Thready pulse volume.
Missing pulse.
Light pressure applied to pulse.
Pulse skips beats.
The Correct Answer is A
A thready pulse is a weak and rapid pulse that is easily obliterated by light pressure. It indicates poor blood flow and perfusion and may be caused by conditions such as shock, dehydration, or hemorrhage.
The other options are not correct because:
B. A missing pulse is a pulse that is absent or cannot be detected, even with firm pressure. It indicates a complete blockage of blood flow, and may be caused by conditions such as arterial occlusion, embolism, or trauma.
C. Light pressure applied to pulse is not a documentation of the pulse quality, but a description of the technique used to palpate the pulse.
D. Pulse skips beats is a documentation of an irregular pulse rhythm, not a pulse volume. It indicates that the heart beats are unevenly spaced, and may be caused by conditions such as arrhythmia, stress, or caffeine intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C - IV infusion site is infiltrated. Choice A rationale:
The client reports feeling nauseous. While this symptom should be monitored, it is not the most crucial finding to report for a client in Addison's crisis. Nausea can be a common symptom during various medical conditions and may not warrant immediate action.
Choice B rationale:
Has not voided in four hours. While monitoring urine output is important, it may not be the most critical finding in Addison's crisis. Other symptoms like electrolyte imbalances and
circulatory collapse is more concerning in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
IV infusion site is infiltrated. In Addison's crisis, the client's condition may be precarious, and any complications with IV therapy could worsen the situation. It is essential to report this finding promptly to prevent further complications.
Choice D rationale:
A serum glucose level of 85 mg/dL. While monitoring glucose levels is essential in many situations, a glucose level of 85 mg/dL is within the reference range, which means it is not the most critical finding in Addison's crisis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B. Report the finding to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:
Checking for kinks in the drainage tubing is an important troubleshooting step if there is a sudden decrease or absence of urine output. However, in this case, the PN's concern is the presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage. This finding indicates potential bleeding, which requires immediate attention and reporting.
Choice B rationale:
Reporting the finding to the charge nurse is the correct action. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine suggests significant bleeding after the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. It is crucial to inform the charge nurse or the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Stopping the irrigation solution immediately may not be within the PN's scope of practice unless explicitly instructed by the healthcare provider. Moreover, abruptly stopping the irrigation may lead to complications, and it is essential to involve the charge nurse or healthcare provider in making this decision.
Choice D rationale:
Observing the drainage again in one hour is not appropriate in this situation. The presence of thick red fluid with clots in the urine drainage is an urgent concern that requires immediate action, not a wait-and-see approach.
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