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 ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lamb’s wool is typically used for padding to prevent pressure sores and does not directly relate to the administration of oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is not necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice B rationale
Sterile water is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice C rationale
Tape can be used to secure the oxygen delivery device, such as a nasal cannula, to the patient’s face. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice D rationale
A suction canister is used to collect respiratory secretions during suctioning procedures, which may be necessary for patients with excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.
Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice E rationale
A humidifier bottle is used in oxygen therapy to provide humidification, which prevents the drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice F rationale
A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient who needs oxygen therapy. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Choice G rationale
A flowmeter is used in oxygen therapy to control the rate of oxygen flow to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary when a patient is put on oxygen.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A chest x-ray is a critical diagnostic tool for a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms, fever, chest congestion, and increased breathing difficulties. It can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung diseases, which could be causing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While hydration is important, running a 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour is not the most immediate need for this patient. The patient’s symptoms are primarily respiratory, and there is no indication of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture could be useful for diagnosing bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. However, it is not the most immediate need for this patient, as the results of a culture test can take time to come back.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Given the patient’s increased breathing difficulties, starting oxygen therapy can help improve the patient’s oxygen levels and ease their breathing.
Choice E rationale
Starting a peripheral IV might be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the most immediate need in this scenario.
Choice F rationale
While controlling the patient’s fever is important, it is not as immediate a need as performing a chest x-ray and starting oxygen therapy.
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