A nurse in a provider's office is collecting baseline preoperative data from a 5-month-old infant who has coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following locations should the nurse palpate to check for the presence of the infant's femoral pulse?
A
B
C
The Correct Answer is B
A: Location A is near the infant’s foot, specifically around the ankle. This area is where the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pulse would be palpated, not the femoral pulse. These pulses are important for assessing peripheral circulation but are not the primary site for evaluating coarctation of the aorta, which requires checking central pulses like the femoral.
B: Location B is at the upper inner thigh, near the groin, where the femoral artery passes close to the skin surface. This is the correct site for palpating the femoral pulse in an infant. In conditions like coarctation of the aorta, comparing the strength of the brachial and femoral pulses is crucial to detect differences in blood flow between the upper and lower body.
C: Location C is on the upper arm, near the shoulder area, which corresponds to the location for checking the brachial pulse. The brachial pulse is commonly used in infants to assess heart rate, especially during resuscitation efforts. However, it is not the site for assessing femoral pulse strength, which is needed when evaluating for coarctation of the aorta.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Contact the provider within 48 hr to obtain a prescription for the restraints: A provider’s order for restraints must be obtained immediately or within a very short time frame, usually within 1 hour, depending on facility policy. Waiting 48 hours would be inappropriate and could lead to violation of patient rights.
B. Remove the restraints from the client's wrists every 2 hr: Restraints must be removed at least every 2 hours to assess skin integrity, provide range of motion exercises, and evaluate the continued need for restraints. This practice ensures client safety, prevents complications such as pressure injuries, and respects client dignity.
C. Check that one finger will fit between the client's wrists and the restraints: The correct practice is to ensure that two fingers can fit between the restraint and the skin to prevent circulatory impairment and skin breakdown. One finger would be too tight and could increase the risk of injury.
D. Fasten the restraints' ties to the bed's side rails: Restraints should always be tied to the bed frame, not the side rails. Attaching restraints to movable parts like side rails can cause injury if the rail is lowered or repositioned, leading to unnecessary strain or trauma to the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your baby needs to suck on a pacifier.": While non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier can sometimes soothe a fussy baby, it is not the first recommendation, especially for a newborn who is establishing breastfeeding. Early introduction of pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding due to nipple confusion.
B. "Breastfed babies are usually fussy from swallowing too much air during feedings.": Although some air swallowing can occur, especially if the latch is poor, this is not typically the primary reason for persistent crying. Addressing crying with soothing techniques like swaddling is a more immediate and supportive intervention for the parent.
C. "Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might help soothe her.": Swaddling provides warmth, security, and a sense of being back in the womb, which can calm a newborn effectively. It reduces the startle reflex and helps regulate the baby's nervous system, often resulting in decreased crying and improved comfort.
D. "Breastfed babies often need to be supplemented with formula.": Routine supplementation with formula is not recommended for healthy breastfed newborns unless there are clear medical indications. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal nutrition, bonding, and gut health in the early postpartum period.
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