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

Explanation

Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread by large respiratory droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Examples include influenza, pertussis, and mumps. However, tuberculosis is not spread through large droplets but through airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods.

Choice B reason: Airborne precautions are necessary for diseases that are transmitted by smaller droplets, which can be suspended in the air for extended periods and can be inhaled. Tuberculosis, particularly pulmonary or laryngeal tuberculosis with a productive cough, requires airborne precautions because the bacteria can be expelled into the air and inhaled by others. The nurse should initiate airborne precautions, which include placing the patient in a negative pressure room and using personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators.

Choice C reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment. Examples include infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, scabies, and norovirus. Tuberculosis is not spread by direct contact, so contact precautions are not the primary method of prevention.

Choice D reason: Protective isolation, also known as neutropenic or reverse isolation, is used to protect immunocompromised patients from infections. It is not used for patients with tuberculosis, as the goal is to protect others from the tuberculosis bacteria, not to protect the patient from external infections.

A. Wash the puncture site with soap and water. B. Squeeze as much blood as possible from the puncture site. C. Flush the puncture site with water for 5 minutes. D. Begin postexposure prophylaxis the following day.

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.

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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

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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