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 A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hoarseness, fatigue, and weight gain. The hoarseness can be due to the effect of hormone deficiency on the vocal cords, while fatigue and weight gain are common due to the slowed metabolism associated with hypothyroidism.
Choice b reason:
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and does not typically cause hoarseness, fatigue, or weight gain. It is more commonly associated with symptoms like red, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing or flossing.
Choice c reason:
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. While they can be painful and cause difficulty with eating and speaking, they do not cause systemic symptoms such as hoarseness, fatigue, or weight gain.
Choice d reason:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can lead to hoarseness if there is an associated throat disorder. However, it is not typically associated with systemic symptoms like fatigue and weight gain unless it is part of a broader condition that affects the body's metabolism or energy levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
This approach is recommended as it allows for a systematic comparison between the two sides of the chest. Percussion should start at the apices of the lungs, which are located just above the clavicles, and proceed downwards. This method ensures that any differences in percussion note, which could indicate underlying pathology, are identified by direct comparison.
Choice B Reason:
While this approach also involves a systematic assessment, it does not allow for immediate comparison between the two sides of the chest. It is important to compare corresponding areas on each side as you go to detect any asymmetry or changes in resonance.
Choice C Reason:
This method, similar to choice B, does not facilitate immediate side-to-side comparison during the assessment. Immediate comparison is crucial for identifying subtle differences that may indicate conditions such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
Choice D Reason:
Starting the percussion above the left clavicle and moving to the right chest after completing the left side does not allow for direct comparison of symmetrical chest areas. Additionally, assessing the right chest moving upward from the liver is not a standard practice, as the liver dullness can interfere with the percussion of the lower right lung fields.
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