To accurately take a client's blood pressure, which action by the nurse is most important?
Obtain the blood pressure first thing in the morning.
Use the appropriate size cuff for the client.
Make sure the client is relaxed and comfortable prior to obtaining the blood pressure.
Remove the clothing from arms before obtaining the blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
This option is incorrect. Tachypnea refers to abnormally fast breathing, typically defined as a respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute in adults. It is the opposite of the condition described in the question, where the respiratory rate has fallen below 10 respirations per minute.
Choice B rationale:
This option is incorrect. Apnea refers to the absence of breathing, often resulting from a temporary cessation of airflow to the lungs. It is characterized by the complete absence of respiratory movements and sounds, which is different from the situation described in the question where the client is breathing at a very slow rate.
Choice C rationale:
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is the correct answer in this case. It is defined as a respiratory rate lower than the normal range, which is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea can be caused by various factors, including drug overdose, neurological disorders, or metabolic imbalances. In this scenario, the client's slow respiratory rate (below 10 respirations per minute) indicates bradypnea.
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, where the rate and depth of respirations are within the normal range. It does not describe the condition of the sedated client in the question, who is experiencing abnormally slow breathing (bradypnea)
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's respirations are faster and deeper than normal due to expelling too much carbon dioxide. This condition is known as hyperventilation. Hyperventilation can occur due to various reasons such as anxiety, pain, fever, or metabolic acidosis. When the body expels excessive carbon dioxide, it leads to respiratory alkalosis, resulting in faster and deeper breathing to compensate for the decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Choice B rationale:
This option is incorrect. Hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels, typically leads to rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea) rather than deep and fast respirations.
Choice C rationale:
This option is incorrect. Inflammation of the phrenic nerve does not directly affect the depth and rate of respirations. Phrenic nerve inflammation is more likely to cause pain during breathing or hiccups.
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect. Using intercostal muscles to breathe is a normal physiological process, especially during deep or labored breathing. However, it does not explain the specific situation described in the question, where the respirations are faster and deeper than normal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) is within the normal range for body temperature, which typically ranges from 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C) While it's essential to monitor temperatures, this value does not require immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 30/min is a concerning finding. The normal respiratory rate for adults at rest is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 30/min suggests tachypnea (rapid breathing), which can be a sign of various underlying medical issues, including respiratory distress or metabolic acidosis. This requires immediate attention and further assessment.
Choice C rationale:
A radial pulse of 45 beats in 30 seconds can be translated to a pulse rate of 90 beats per minute, which falls within the normal range for adults (60 to 100 beats per minute) While it's important to monitor pulse rates, this value does not require immediate attention.
Choice D rationale:
A blood pressure of 114/74 mmHg is within the normal range for blood pressure in adults. Normal blood pressure typically ranges around 120/80 mmHg, but variations within a few points are considered normal. This blood pressure reading does not require immediate attention.
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