A nurse is checking a patient’s pulse and determines that the rate is irregular. How long should the nurse measure the pulse?
15 seconds and multiply by 4.
30 seconds and multiply by 2.
60 seconds.
45 seconds and multiply by 2.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Measuring pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 assumes a regular rhythm, which is inaccurate for an irregular pulse. Irregular rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, require longer measurement to capture variability in heartbeats, ensuring an accurate rate. This method risks over- or underestimating the true pulse rate.
Choice B reason: Counting for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is insufficient for an irregular pulse, as it may miss variations in heart rate, common in arrhythmias. Accurate assessment of irregular rhythms, like premature ventricular contractions, demands a full minute to account for fluctuations, making this method less reliable.
Choice C reason: Measuring the pulse for 60 seconds is the standard for irregular rhythms, as it captures the full range of heart rate variability. Conditions like atrial fibrillation cause inconsistent beats, and a full minute ensures accuracy in counting, aligning with clinical guidelines for assessing cardiovascular status in such cases.
Choice D reason: Counting for 45 seconds and multiplying by 2 is not a standard practice for irregular pulses. It fails to account for the full variability in heart rate, potentially skewing results in conditions like arrhythmias. A 60-second count is necessary for precision in irregular rhythm assessments.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using an interpreter enhances client satisfaction by ensuring clear communication, respecting language needs, and fostering trust. This improves patient engagement and care quality, critical for positive healthcare experiences. Accurate language support prevents misunderstandings, ensuring clients feel heard and valued, especially in diverse populations with language barriers.
Choice B reason: Interpreters increase initial costs due to service fees, not decrease them. The focus is on communication accuracy and satisfaction, not cost reduction. Assuming cost savings misaligns with interpreter use, risking neglect of language needs, which could lead to errors or dissatisfaction in patients with limited English proficiency.
Choice C reason: Interpreters increase communication accuracy by bridging language gaps, ensuring precise health history collection and reducing errors in diagnosis or treatment. This is critical for safe, effective care in non-English-speaking patients, preventing misinterpretations that could compromise health outcomes and patient safety in clinical settings.
Choice D reason: While interpreters may indirectly support self-esteem by respecting language needs, this is not a primary reason for their use. Accuracy and satisfaction are key. Assuming self-esteem is the focus risks prioritizing emotional over practical needs, potentially neglecting communication accuracy critical for effective health history and care planning.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warm, dry skin is a normal finding, reflecting adequate circulation and hydration, expected in healthy integumentary assessments. It’s not concerning unless accompanied by fever or dehydration. Assuming this is unexpected risks overcomplicating care, diverting focus from actual abnormalities like pressure injuries requiring intervention in skin assessments.
Choice B reason: A clear IV site without drainage is expected, indicating no infection or infiltration. Unexpected findings involve redness or leakage. Assuming this is abnormal risks unnecessary interventions, diverting attention from true integumentary issues like pressure injuries, critical for preventing complications in patients with prolonged IV therapy.
Choice C reason: A stage 1 pressure injury, with non-blanchable erythema, is an unexpected and concerning finding, indicating early tissue damage requiring intervention like repositioning or pressure relief. Unlike normal skin findings, this signals risk of progression, necessitating prompt documentation and care to prevent worsening ulcers in vulnerable patients.
Choice D reason: Skin color consistent with racial heritage is expected and normal, reflecting genetic pigmentation. Unexpected findings involve changes like pallor or cyanosis. Assuming this is abnormal risks misinterpretation, neglecting actual integumentary issues like pressure injuries, critical for accurate assessment and timely intervention in skin health.
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