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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Offering a pair of non-skid socks is not the most important action to implement next. The client may already have non-skid socks on, or may not need them if they are not walking. The priority is to prevent falls and injuries when transferring the client to the chair.
Choice B reason: Placing the chair by the bed is a necessary action to implement, but not the next one. The chair should already be by the bed before the nurse raises the head of the bed and moves the client to a sitting position. The next action is to help the client stand up and move to the chair.
Choice C reason: Supporting the client when rising is the best action to implement next. The client may be weak, dizzy, or unsteady after a week of bedrest, and may need assistance to stand up and sit down. The nurse should use proper body mechanics and a transfer belt if needed to support the client.
Choice D reason: Determining how the client feels is a relevant action to implement, but not the next one. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, comfort, and tolerance of the activity after transferring the client to the chair. The next action is to ensure the client's safety and stability.
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