The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client’s blood pressure cannot be measured in the arms because the client has casts on both arms and is unable to be measured in the legs because the client is in the supine position.
Which action should the nurse implement?
Document why the blood pressure cannot be accurately measured at the present time.
Advise the UAP to document the last blood pressure obtained on the client’s graphic sheet.
Demonstrate how to palpate the popliteal pulse with the client supine and the knee flexed.
Estimate the blood pressure by assessing the pulse volume of the client’s radial pulses.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
When a client’s blood pressure cannot be measured due to casts on both arms and the client’s position, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to document why the blood pressure cannot be accurately measured at the present time. This is because accurate measurement of blood pressure is crucial for monitoring the client’s health status and making appropriate clinical decisions. If the blood pressure cannot be measured accurately, it is important to document this fact along with the reasons why, so that other healthcare professionals are aware of the situation and can take appropriate action.
Choice B rationale
Advising the UAP to document the last blood pressure obtained on the client’s graphic sheet is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While it might provide some information about the client’s previous blood pressure readings, it does not address the current inability to measure the blood pressure. Furthermore, it could potentially lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the client’s current health status.
Choice C rationale
Demonstrating how to palpate the popliteal pulse with the client supine and the knee flexed is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While palpating the popliteal pulse can provide some information about the client’s circulatory status, it does not provide a measure of blood pressure. Furthermore, this action might not be feasible or appropriate depending on the client’s condition and the presence of casts on both arms.
Choice D rationale
Estimating the blood pressure by assessing the pulse volume of the client’s radial pulses is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While pulse volume can provide some information about the client’s circulatory status, it does not provide a measure of blood pressure. Furthermore, this method of estimating blood pressure is not as accurate or reliable as direct measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C,A,B,D
Explanation
Choice C rationale
The first step in managing a patient with abdominal pain and distention is to complete a focused assessment. This will help the nurse determine the severity of the patient’s condition and guide subsequent interventions.
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the risk of aspiration, especially in a patient who has recently vomited. This is particularly important in this case as the patient’s vomit is dark brown, indicating possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Sending the emesis sample to the lab is important for determining the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The lab can analyze the sample for the presence of blood or other abnormalities.
Choice D rationale
Offering PRN pain medication is important for patient comfort. However, it should be done after the assessment and initial interventions have been completed. The medication may mask symptoms that could provide important diagnostic information.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying that the nurse has gathered the necessary supplies is important, but it is not the most critical action in this scenario. The new nurse has already gathered the necessary supplies for the procedure.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. A transparent dressing is preferred over a gauze dressing for securing an IV catheter. It allows for easy inspection of the insertion site for signs of infection.
Choice C rationale
Ensuring that the gauze dressing is taped securely in place is not the most critical action in this scenario. As mentioned, a transparent dressing is generally preferred for securing an IV catheter.
Choice D rationale
While inspecting the secured IV site after the insertion procedure is important, advising the nurse to use a transparent dressing over the site is a more immediate need. This will allow for continuous visual inspection of the site.
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