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 ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Placing a client with active pulmonary TB in a room with positive airflow is not recommended, as positive airflow would push potentially contaminated air into general circulation, risking the spread of TB. Instead, a room with negative airflow is appropriate to contain and remove contaminated air.

Choice B reason: Determining whether the client lives alone or with others is important for public health and contact tracing purposes. If the client lives with others, those individuals may need to be tested and monitored for TB as well.

Choice C reason: Using an alcohol-based hand cleaner is a standard practice unless hands are visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, handwashing with soap and water is necessary.

Choice D reason: Reminding the client to cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing is a key measure to prevent the spread of TB, which is transmitted through airborne particles from coughs or sneezes.

Choice E reason: Antifungal medications are not used to treat TB, which is caused by a bacterium, not a fungus. The client should be instructed about taking anti-tuberculosis medications, not antifungals.

A. Restlessness B. Clenching C. Grimacing D. Drowsiness E. Groaning

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or pain, especially in a postoperative client. It may manifest as constant shifting or an inability to remain still, indicating that the client is trying to find a position that alleviates the pain.

Choice B reason: Clenching, such as tightly gripping the handrails of the bed or making fists, can indicate that the client is trying to manage pain or discomfort through tension in the muscles.

Choice C reason: Grimacing, or making a pained facial expression, is a clear nonverbal cue of pain. It often involves furrowing the brow, closing the eyes tightly, or contorting the mouth.

Choice D reason: Drowsiness is not typically a direct indicator of pain. It may be related to medication effects, fatigue, or the body's response to healing post-surgery. However, it does not specifically signal pain.

Choice E reason: Moaning, groaning, or making other vocal sounds can be a response to pain, particularly in clients who are unable to articulate their pain verbally due to sedation or other factors.

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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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who was placed on isolation precautions for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a postoperative client who is unable to respond to questions. Which of the following nonverbal behaviors should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is experiencing pain? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

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