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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: The CRIES pain scale is not suitable for a 10-year-old as this scale is designed for neonates, typically those who are 0 to 6 months old.

Choice B reason: A 3-year-old toddler would be better assessed with a pain scale that allows for their level of understanding and communication, such as the Faces Pain Scale-Revised.

Choice C reason: A 4-year-old preschooler can typically communicate their pain verbally or by using a faces pain scale, making the CRIES scale less appropriate.

Choice D reason: The CRIES pain scale is specifically designed for neonates and is appropriate for assessing pain in a 4-day-old infant who cannot verbally communicate their pain.

A. Urinary catheterization B. Malnutrition C. Multiple caregivers D. Chlorhexidine washes

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Urinary catheterization is a well-known risk factor for HAIs, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The use of indwelling urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and is associated with a significant proportion of HAIs.

Choice B reason: While malnutrition can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infections, it is not a direct cause of HAIs. Good nutritional status is important for wound healing and infection prevention, but it does not cause HAIs by itself.

Choice C reason: Having multiple caregivers can increase the risk of transmitting infections, especially if hand hygiene and other infection control practices are not consistently followed. However, it is not considered a direct cause of HAIs like urinary catheterization is.

Choice D reason: Chlorhexidine washes are actually used as a preventive measure against HAIs, particularly in reducing the risk of surgical site infections. They are not a cause of HAIs but rather part of the solution to prevent them.

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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?

Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm

Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime

Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level

Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly

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