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 D
Explanation
A. The client attempted to climb over the side rails and fell:
This statement includes an interpretation of the client's actions. It's important to focus on factual information without making assumptions about the client's intentions or actions.
B. The client was restless and trying to get out of bed all evening:
Describing the client as restless and trying to get out of bed is a subjective interpretation of the client's behavior. Factual and objective observations are preferred when documenting incidents.
C. The presence of a bed alarm could have prevented the client from falling:
This statement includes an interpretation and a suggestion for prevention. While prevention strategies are important to consider, an incident report should primarily focus on describing what actually occurred rather than suggesting what could have prevented it.
D. The client was lying on the floor next to his bed:
This statement provides a clear and objective description of the situation without making assumptions or interpretations. It is important to document the actual events and the client's current condition.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. Place the client in semi-Fowler’s position:
While the semi-Fowler's position can be helpful in assessing respiratory function, it is not specifically required for measuring the respiratory rate. The key is to ensure the client is comfortable and able to breathe easily.
B. Have the client rest an arm across the abdomen:
Placing the arm across the abdomen is not a standard practice for measuring respiratory rate. The key is to allow the client to breathe naturally, and this position is not necessary for accurate measurement.
C. Observe one full respiratory cycle before counting the rate:
This ensures that the count is accurate and reflective of the client's typical breathing pattern.
D. Count the rate for 30 seconds if it is irregular:
When measuring the respiratory rate, it is generally recommended to count for a full minute to obtain an accurate representation of the client's breathing pattern. Counting for 30 seconds may underestimate or overestimate the rate, especially if the irregularity is not consistent.
E. Count and report any sighs the client demonstrates:
Sighs can be indicative of emotional or physiological stress, and noting them is important for a comprehensive respiratory assessment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.