A Medical-Surgical nurse is assessing a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid assessing bilaterally at the same time?
Femoral.
Popliteal.
Brachial.
Carotid.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should avoid assessing the popliteal pulse bilaterally at the same time. The popliteal pulse is located behind the knee and is relatively deep. Applying pressure on both sides of the knee to assess this pulse simultaneously can obstruct blood flow to the lower extremities. This is a particularly important consideration for clients with compromised circulation, such as those with peripheral vascular disease. Assessing this pulse sequentially is a safer approach.
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the femoral pulse bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The femoral pulse is located in the groin area, and assessing it bilaterally doesn't impede blood flow significantly.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the brachial pulse bilaterally at the same time is generally acceptable. The brachial pulse is located in the upper arm, and simultaneous assessment is unlikely to cause circulatory compromise.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the carotid pulse bilaterally at the same time is discouraged. The carotid arteries are located in the neck, and applying bilateral pressure here can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, potentially causing syncope (fainting) or other adverse effects. It's safer to assess this pulse sequentially.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. Protective. Protective precautions are crucial for clients who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant due to their severely weakened immune systems.
Choice A reason:
Airborne precautions are used for infections that spread through the air, such as tuberculosis and measles. These infections require special ventilation and respiratory protection, which is not the primary concern for stem-cell transplant patients.
Choice B reason:
Contact precautions are used for infections spread by direct contact, like MRSA or C. difficile. These precautions involve wearing gloves and gowns but do not address the airborne or droplet risks that immunocompromised patients face.
Choice C reason:
Droplet precautions are for infections spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. While important, they do not provide the comprehensive protection needed for stem-cell transplant recipients.
Choice D reason:
Protective precautions involve placing the patient in a room with HEPA filtration and limiting visitors to minimize infection risk. This is essential for patients with compromised immune systems, such as those who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The choice "Patient ate half of his breakfast tray" is not the correct answer. While poor appetite or decreased intake can impact a patient's nutritional status, it is not a direct indicator of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice B rationale:
The choice "Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee" is not the correct answer. This might indicate a localized skin issue, such as an allergic reaction or dermatitis, but it is not a clear sign of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice C rationale:
The choice "Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds" is not the correct answer. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral circulation and is useful in evaluating perfusion, but it is not specifically indicative of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is "Patient is incontinent of stool." Choice D is the correct answer. Incontinence, especially fecal incontinence, increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool weakens the skin's integrity, making it more susceptible to breakdown when pressure is applied over bony prominences.
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