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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because it reflects a measurable and realistic goal that addresses the client's problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Ambulation promotes circulation, prevents complications, and enhances recovery.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Avoiding pain-causing activity may lead to immobility and further complications.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Incision healing is an expected outcome of wound care, not activity.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Taking analgesics as prescribed may help relieve pain, but it does not promote activity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because palpating the suprapubic region for distention can be inaccurate and unreliable, as it can be affected by factors such as obesity, abdominal muscle tone, and bowel gas.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because scanning the client's bladder after voiding can measure the post-void residual urine volume, which indicates the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. A high post-void residual urine volume can indicate urinary retention.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because reviewing the chart for number of voids over last 24 hours can provide information about the frequency of urination, but not the amount or completeness of urination.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because evaluating the client for urinary incontinence can assess the involuntary loss of urine, but not the ability to empty the bladder completely.
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