A nurse is preparing to assess a client’s carotid arteries. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position during the assessment.
Auscultate each carotid artery with the bell of the stethoscope.
Palpate the carotid arteries simultaneously.
Massage the carotid artery while assessing the client.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason
Placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position during the assessment is not necessary for assessing the carotid arteries. While this position can be useful for other assessments, it is not specifically required for carotid artery evaluation. The client can be in a seated or supine position with the head slightly elevated.
Choice B Reason
Auscultating each carotid artery with the bell of the stethoscope is the most appropriate action. This technique allows the nurse to listen for bruits, which are abnormal sounds indicating turbulent blood flow due to partial obstruction or narrowing of the artery. Using the bell of the stethoscope is crucial because it is better suited for detecting low-pitched vascular sounds.
Choice C Reason
Palpating the carotid arteries simultaneously is not recommended. Doing so can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness or fainting. Instead, each carotid artery should be palpated individually to assess the amplitude and contour of the pulse without compromising circulation.
Choice D Reason
Massaging the carotid artery while assessing the client is inappropriate and potentially dangerous. Massaging the carotid artery can stimulate the carotid sinus, leading to a reflex drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause syncope (fainting). This action should be avoided during assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Preparing an incident report is an important step in documenting the oversight and ensuring that similar errors are prevented in the future. However, it is not the immediate priority when addressing the current situation. The primary focus should be on ensuring the client’s safety and the timely completion of the necessary preoperative procedures.
Choice B Reason
Canceling the client’s surgery is a drastic measure that should only be considered if there is no other way to ensure the client’s safety. Before taking such a step, the nurse should explore all other options to rectify the situation, such as notifying the operative team and the provider. This allows for a collaborative approach to determine the best course of action.
Choice C Reason
Notifying the operative team of the omission is the most appropriate action. This ensures that all relevant healthcare providers are aware of the situation and can take the necessary steps to address it. The operative team can then decide whether to proceed with the surgery as planned or to delay it until the type and crossmatch are completed. This collaborative approach prioritizes the client’s safety and ensures that all necessary precautions are taken.
Choice D Reason
Giving the client another blood consent form to sign is not directly related to addressing the overlooked prescription for a type and crossmatch. While obtaining informed consent is crucial, it does not resolve the immediate issue of ensuring that the client has the correct blood type and crossmatch completed before surgery. The focus should be on rectifying the oversight and ensuring that all preoperative requirements are met.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Have a fecal occult blood test every 2 years.
The recommendation for fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) is typically to have them annually, not every 2 years. Regular screening is crucial for early detection of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests that people aged 45 and older should have an FOBT every year. This test helps detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer.
Choice B Reason: Limit intake of dietary fiber.
Dietary fiber is actually beneficial in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. High-fiber diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Fiber helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system and can aid in the prevention of cancer by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the time that potential carcinogens stay in the colon.
Choice C Reason: Reduce intake of red meats.
Reducing the intake of red meats is a well-supported recommendation for lowering the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that high consumption of red and processed meats is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Reducing the intake of these meats and opting for healthier protein sources like fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins can help lower this risk.
Choice D Reason: Have a colonoscopy every 3 years.
The standard recommendation for colonoscopy screening is every 10 years for individuals at average risk, starting at age 45. More frequent colonoscopies, such as every 3 years, are generally reserved for those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or the presence of polyps. Regular colonoscopy screenings are vital for detecting and removing polyps before they can develop into cancer.
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