While taking an adult patient’s pulse, a nurse finds the rate to be 140 beats/min. What should the nurse do next?
Check temperature and SPO2
Report the rate to the primary care provider
Check the pulse again in 2hrs
Record the information
The Correct Answer is A
A. Check temperature and SPO2
When the nurse finds an adult patient's pulse rate to be 140 beats per minute, it is important to assess other vital signs, particularly temperature and oxygen saturation (SPO2). This helps gather additional information to understand the overall clinical picture and assess for potential underlying causes of the elevated heart rate.
B. Report the rate to the primary care provider:
Reporting the heart rate to the primary care provider may be necessary, but it should not be the immediate action. Assessing other vital signs first provides a more comprehensive understanding.
C. Check the pulse again in 2 hours:
Waiting for 2 hours to recheck the pulse is not appropriate when the heart rate is significantly elevated. Immediate action and further assessment are needed.
D. Record the information:
Recording the elevated heart rate is part of documentation, but it should be accompanied by a more comprehensive assessment of vital signs and potential contributing factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Wait 30 min and return to measure the oral temperature:
Waiting 30 minutes may not be necessary. It's more practical to take immediate steps to address potential factors affecting the reading.
B. Provide the client a sip of warm water, wait 5 min, and measure the temperature:
This can be a reasonable and practical approach to stimulate blood flow in the oral cavity and achieve a more accurate oral temperature reading.
C. Document that the nurse was unable to measure the client’s temperature:
Before documenting an inability to measure the temperature, the nurse should attempt appropriate interventions, such as warming the oral cavity or using an alternate route
D. Determine if the client has eaten or drank within the last 15 minutes:
Eating or drinking something cold shortly before taking an oral temperature can result in a lower reading. Checking for recent intake is important to ensure the accuracy of the measurement.
E. Use an alternate route (i.e., axillary, rectal) to take the client’s temperature:
If the oral temperature reading remains difficult to obtain or is not reliable, using an alternate route may be necessary. However, this depends on the client's condition, the reason for the temperature measurement, and the healthcare facility's protocols.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Edema:
Edema refers to the presence of swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid. While the nurse can observe and measure edema, the sensation of swelling itself is subjective and based on the client's perception.
B. Heart Rate:
Heart rate is an objective measure of the number of heartbeats per minute. It can be measured and observed by the healthcare provider, making it an objective data point.
C. Chills
Subjective data refers to information that is based on the client's personal experiences, perceptions, and feelings. Chills, which describe a feeling of coldness often associated with shivering, are a subjective symptom that the client experiences.
D. Pallor:
Pallor refers to an unusually pale or white skin color. While the nurse can observe and assess the color of the skin, the client's perception of pallor is subjective.
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