While assessing a client’s blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm calibration. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?
Release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the client’s previous systolic reading.
Continue the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard.
Reposition the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point.
Inflate the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. This indicates that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow and the initial systolic reading was inaccurate. The nurse should release the air, wait for 15 to 30 seconds, and then reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound. This will ensure a more accurate measurement of the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard will result in a lower systolic reading and a higher diastolic reading than the actual blood pressure of the client. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point will not change the fact that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound will cause discomfort and pain to the client and may damage the blood vessels. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not the immediate action to take. Non-rebreather masks deliver a high concentration of oxygen, typically reserved for severe hypoxia. The patient’s oxygen saturation is low, but not critically low. It’s important to first ensure the accuracy of the reading before escalating oxygen delivery methods.
Choice B reason: Removing the nasal cannula is not advisable. The patient is postoperative and may have impaired gas exchange due to anesthesia, pain, or decreased mobility. Removing the supplemental oxygen may worsen the patient’s hypoxemia and increase the risk of complications.
Choice C reason: Increasing the oxygen to 3 L/minute could be a potential action if the oxygen saturation reading is accurate and the patient’s condition does not improve. However, any changes to a patient’s oxygen therapy should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It’s important to first verify the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading.
Choice D reason: Verifying the placement of the pulse oximeter is the highest priority action. Before making changes to the oxygen flow rate, it’s important to ensure that the oxygen saturation reading is accurate. Incorrect placement or function of the pulse oximeter could lead to inaccurate readings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because fluid volume deficit is a life-threatening condition that can result from diarrhea and fecal incontinence. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid intake and output, electrolytes, weight, urine specific gravity, and skin turgor.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bowel incontinence is a significant problem that can affect the client's dignity, comfort, and skin integrity, but it is not as urgent as fluid volume deficit. The nurse should implement a bowel management program and provide appropriate hygiene and skin care.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because caregiver role strain is a potential problem that can affect the parent's well-being and ability to provide care, but it is not as critical as fluid volume deficit. The nurse should assess the parent's coping skills, support system, and respite needs.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because impaired bed mobility is a chronic problem that can affect the client's functional status and quality of life, but it is not as serious as fluid volume deficit. The nurse should assist the client with positioning, turning, transferring, and exercising.
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