A client has arrived at the clinic for a routine physical examination. Prior to assessing the client's blood pressure, what should the nurse do?
Position the arm so that it is below waist level.
Palpate the radial artery to confirm a pulse is present.
Ask the client to sit quietly in a chair for 5 minutes.
Make sure the arm selected is covered with clothing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Positioning the arm below waist level is not recommended when measuring blood pressure. It can result in an inaccurate reading, typically showing a higher blood pressure due to the effects of gravity on the blood column. The arm should be positioned at heart level for an accurate measurement.
Choice B Reason:
While palpating the radial artery to confirm a pulse is present is part of the overall assessment of circulation, it is not a necessary step immediately before measuring blood pressure. The focus should be on ensuring the client is in the correct position and is relaxed to avoid any factors that might artificially alter the blood pressure reading.
Choice C Reason:
Asking the client to sit quietly in a chair for 5 minutes is the correct procedure before measuring blood pressure. This allows the client's heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize, providing a more accurate measurement. Any activity or stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, so this quiet time is crucial.
Choice D Reason:
The arm selected for blood pressure measurement should not be covered with clothing. Clothing can constrict the blood pressure cuff and interfere with the accuracy of the reading. The cuff should be placed on bare skin to ensure it inflates and deflates correctly and that the stethoscope can accurately detect the sounds of the blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Draping body areas that are not being assessed is important for maintaining the client's privacy and comfort, but it is not the highest priority when dealing with a client with generalized muscle weakness. The primary concern is to prevent further strain or injury during the examination.
Choice b reason:
Limiting position changes as much as possible is the priority when examining a client with generalized muscle weakness. Frequent or unnecessary movements can cause fatigue, discomfort, and may even be unsafe if the client has severely compromised muscle strength. The nurse should plan the examination to minimize the number of times the client needs to change positions.
Choice c reason:
Hand-washing throughout the exam is a standard practice to prevent the spread of infection. While it is crucial for both the client's and the nurse's safety, in the context of a client with generalized muscle weakness, the priority is to conduct the exam in a way that does not exacerbate the client's condition.
Choice d reason:
Using alcohol swabs to clean the stethoscope before and after the exam is also a standard infection control practice. However, it is not the most immediate concern when prioritizing the steps of a physical examination for a client with muscle weakness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Angular cheilitis is characterized by inflammation of one or both corners of the mouth. It often presents as red, swollen patches in the corners of the mouth and can be associated with fungal or bacterial infection. However, it does not typically cause vesicular eruptions, which are more indicative of viral infections like herpes simplex.
Choice B Reason:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is known for causing vesicular eruptions, commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, around the lips and mouth area. These eruptions are fluid-filled blisters that can be painful and are highly indicative of an HSV infection, particularly HSV type 1, which commonly affects the oral region.
Choice C Reason:
Angioedema involves the rapid swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, often seen with hives. While it can affect the lips and surrounding areas, it does not cause vesicular eruptions. Angioedema is more associated with allergic reactions and can be part of anaphylaxis, a severe systemic reaction.
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