When a nurse obtains an unusually low blood pressure measurement for a client whose blood pressure is generally elevated, she considers the possibility of a problem with her technique. Which of the following sources of error should she consider as a possible cause of the low reading?
Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client's arm
Measuring blood pressure right after the client's mealtime
Positioning the client's arm above heart level
Deflating the cuff too slowly
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Positioning the client’s arm above heart level.
Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm
Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to an inaccurately high blood pressure reading, not a low one. A loose cuff does not compress the artery properly, causing the device to overestimate the pressure needed to occlude the artery.
Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime
Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to the body’s metabolic response to digestion. This is not a common cause of a low blood pressure reading.
Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level
Positioning the client’s arm above heart level can lead to an inaccurately low blood pressure reading. When the arm is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in a lower reading. This is a well-known source of error in blood pressure measurement.
Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly
Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause venous congestion, which may lead to an inaccurately high reading rather than a low one. The standard deflation rate is 2-3 mm Hg per second to ensure accurate measurement.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Regular morning exercise can actually promote better sleep. It helps to regulate the body's clock and can lead to deeper, more restful sleep. However, exercising too close to bedtime may have the opposite effect.
Choice B reason: Going to bed at the same time every evening can help establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle, which is beneficial for people who have insomnia. This regularity can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Choice C reason: Alcohol consumption before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. While it may initially help someone fall asleep, it often leads to poorer quality of sleep and can cause awakenings throughout the night.
Choice D reason: If unable to sleep, getting out of bed can be a good strategy. It's part of stimulus control therapy for insomnia, which advises leaving the bed if you can't sleep, so you don't associate the bed with wakefulness
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gloves are typically removed first because they are likely to be the most contaminated. They should be removed carefully to avoid contaminating the hands, using the glove-in-glove or beak method.
Choice B reason: The gown should be removed after the gloves because it may also be contaminated. The nurse should reach up to the shoulders and carefully pull the gown forward and away from the body, touching only the inside of the gown.
Choice C reason: Eyewear is removed after the gown. The nurse should handle the eyewear by the arms, avoiding touching the front part that has been exposed to contaminants.
Choice D reason: The mask should be removed last because it protects the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from infectious droplets. It should be taken off by handling the ties or elastic bands from behind the head and pulling it away from the face without touching the front of the mask.
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