While assessing a client's blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm Hg. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?

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.

Release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the client's previous systolic reading.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard is not the best action to implement next. It may result in an inaccurate measurement of the diastolic pressure, as the cuff pressure may be too low to detect the sound.

Choice B reason: Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point is not a necessary action to implement next. It may not affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement, as the nurse already hears the Korotkoff sounds clearly.

Choice C reason: Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound is not a safe action to implement next. It may cause discomfort and injury to the client, as the cuff pressure may be too high and occlude the blood flow.

Choice D reason: Releasing the air and reinflating the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the client's previous systolic reading is the best action to implement next. It helps to avoid the auscultatory gap, which is a period of silence between the systolic and diastolic pressures. It also ensures that the cuff pressure is high enough to detect the true systolic and diastolic pressures.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Muscle strength and tone is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It may be relevant for some clients who have musculoskeletal problems, but it does not indicate the risk of thermal injury.

Choice B reason: Limitations to range of motion is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It may be relevant for some clients who have joint stiffness or pain, but it does not indicate the risk of thermal injury.

Choice C reason: Presence of rebound phenomenon is not the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It is a sign of peritoneal inflammation that occurs when pressure is released from the abdomen. It has nothing to do with the application of a heating pad.

Choice D reason: Degree of neurosensory impairment is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad. It indicates the client's ability to perceive heat and pain sensations. If the client has impaired neurosensory function, the nurse should avoid using a heating pad or use it with caution and frequent monitoring.

A. Give positive feedback to the PN and document the skill competency. B. Explain to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure. C. Remind the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves. D. Ask the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Giving positive feedback to the PN and documenting the skill competency is not the appropriate action to take. The PN did not demonstrate proper sterile technique, as he touched the outside of the sterile glove package and the sterile sponges with his bare hands, contaminating them.

Choice B reason: Explaining to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure is not the relevant action to take. The PN may have been following the instructions of the healthcare provider, who may have requested the sponges for the procedure. The issue is not the need for the sponges, but the way the PN handled them.

Choice C reason: Reminding the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves is not the sufficient action to take. Washing the hands is an important step in maintaining infection control, but it does not correct the mistake the PN made by touching the sterile items with his bare hands.

Choice D reason: Asking the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set is the best action to take. It ensures that the PN follows the correct sterile technique and does not compromise the safety of the client or the procedure. It also provides an opportunity for the charge nurse to teach the PN how to avoid contamination.

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While assessing a client's blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm Hg. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) applies sterile gloves and opens a pack of sterile sponges to assist the healthcare provider with a bedside procedure. After the charge nurse observes the PN, which action should the charge nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer low-molecular-weight heparin subcutaneously. Which instruction should the nurse include?

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