A nurse is checking the apical pulse of a client who is taking several cardiovascular medications. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use the diaphragm of the stethoscope to listen to the apical pulsations
Count the apical pulsations for a full minute
Press the stethoscope firmly against the client's skin
Check the apical pulse with a Doppler device
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used for high-pitched sounds such as breath sounds, bowel, and normal heart sounds. For the apical pulse, which involves listening to the heart's sounds, the bell of the stethoscope is often recommended, especially for lower-pitched sounds like murmurs.
Choice B reason: Counting the apical pulsations for a full minute is the correct action when assessing the apical pulse, particularly for clients on cardiovascular medications. This ensures accuracy in detecting any irregularities or changes in the heart rate that could be affected by the medications.
Choice C reason: The stethoscope should be placed gently against the client's skin. Pressing too firmly can distort the heart sounds, making it difficult to accurately assess the apical pulse.
Choice D reason: A Doppler device is not typically used for routine assessment of the apical pulse. It is more commonly used when pulses are difficult to palpate or auscultate, such as in cases of peripheral arterial disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are spread through the air over long distances, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. VRE is not typically spread through the air.
Choice B reason: Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread through large droplets in the air, such as influenza or pertussis. VRE is not spread through droplets but through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
Choice C reason: A protective environment is designed to protect immunocompromised patients from infection and is not typically used for patients with VRE. This type of precaution includes the use of HEPA filters, laminar air flow, and other strategies to maintain a sterile environment.
Choice D reason: Contact precautions are the appropriate measures for a patient with a VRE infection. VRE can be spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment or through person-to-person spread, often via contaminated hands. It is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. Therefore, contact precautions, including the use of gloves and gowns, are necessary when caring for patients with VRE to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The CRIES pain scale is not suitable for a 10-year-old as this scale is designed for neonates, typically those who are 0 to 6 months old.
Choice B reason: A 3-year-old toddler would be better assessed with a pain scale that allows for their level of understanding and communication, such as the Faces Pain Scale-Revised.
Choice C reason: A 4-year-old preschooler can typically communicate their pain verbally or by using a faces pain scale, making the CRIES scale less appropriate.
Choice D reason: The CRIES pain scale is specifically designed for neonates and is appropriate for assessing pain in a 4-day-old infant who cannot verbally communicate their pain.
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