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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The first and immediate action after a needlestick injury is to wash the puncture site with soap and water. This helps to remove any pathogens that may have been introduced into the puncture site.
Choice B reason: Squeezing the puncture site is not recommended because it can cause further injury to the tissue and does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Choice C reason: Flushing the puncture site with water is a good practice, but it should be done immediately, not just for 5 minutes. The initial washing is more critical.
Choice D reason: Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started as soon as possible, ideally within hours and no later than 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV. Waiting until the following day could decrease the effectiveness of PEP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The carotid pulse sites should not be checked bilaterally at the same time because palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously can restrict blood flow to the brain and may also stimulate the vagus nerve, potentially causing bradycardia or even syncope.
Choice B reason: The popliteal pulse, located at the back of the knee, can be checked bilaterally without the risk of restricting blood flow to vital organs or stimulating a vagal response.
Choice C reason: The femoral pulse, found in the groin area, can also be checked bilaterally as it does not pose the same risks as the carotid pulse when checked simultaneously.
Choice D reason: The brachial pulse, located on the inside of the arm just above the elbow, is another site that can be checked bilaterally without significant risk.
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