A nurse measures an older adult's blood pressure on the right arm and notes a reading of 150/100. The nurse waits 5 minutes and measures the blood pressure again in the right arm and obtains a reading of 152/100. What is the next action by the nurse?
Measure the blood pressure in sitting and standing positions.
Measure the blood pressure in the left arm.
Document the findings in the medical record; elevated blood pressures are normal in older adults.
Immediately contact the medical provider.
None of the above.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Measure the blood pressure in sitting and standing positions is not the next action by the nurse, as it is not relevant to the situation. The nurse should compare the blood pressure readings from both arms, not from different postures.
Choice B reason: Measure the blood pressure in the left arm is the next action by the nurse, as it can help determine if the high blood pressure is consistent or isolated to one arm. A difference of more than 10 mm Hg between the arms may indicate a vascular problem, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or coarctation of the aorta.
Choice C reason: Document the findings in the medical record; elevated blood pressures are normal in older adults is not the next action by the nurse, as it is inaccurate and irresponsible. The nurse should not assume that elevated blood pressures are normal in older adults, as they may indicate hypertension, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney damage. The nurse should also not document the findings without further assessment and intervention.
Choice D reason: Immediately contact the medical provider is not the next action by the nurse, as it may be premature and unnecessary. The nurse should first confirm the accuracy of the blood pressure readings by measuring the blood pressure in the left arm and checking the calibration of the device. The nurse should also consider other factors that may affect the blood pressure, such as pain, stress, caffeine, or medication.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the next action by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Older adult’s self-report is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be reliable or consistent in older adults, especially if they have cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, or cultural barriers. Older adults may also underreport or overreport their pain due to fear, stoicism, or expectations.
Choice B reason: FPS-R (Faces Pain Scale-Revised) is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be suitable or valid for older adults, especially if they have visual impairment, facial paralysis, or dementia. FPS-R is a pictorial scale that uses six facial expressions to represent different levels of pain intensity, from 0 (no pain) to 10 (very much pain).
Choice C reason: Pain medication frequency is not the most helpful tool, as it may not reflect the actual pain level or the effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy. Pain medication frequency may vary depending on the type, dose, route, and duration of the medication, as well as the individual response and tolerance of the older adult.
Choice D reason: Older adult's pain diary is the most helpful tool, as it can provide a comprehensive and longitudinal record of the pain experience, including the location, intensity, quality, frequency, duration, triggers, relievers, and impact of the pain. A pain diary can also help track the use and response of the comfort measures, activity, and pharmacotherapy, and identify the patterns and trends of the pain.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most helpful tool for the nurse to use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. It usually appears as a scaly, red, or crusty patch or lump that may bleed or ulcerate. It is the second most common type of skin cancer, after basal cell carcinoma, but it is less common than melanoma.
Choice B reason: Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that causes rough, scaly, or crusty patches or spots on the skin that are usually caused by sun exposure. It is not a type of skin cancer, but it is considered a precancerous lesion, as it can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Choice C reason: Kaposi sarcoma is a rare type of skin cancer that causes purple, red, or brown patches or nodules on the skin or mucous membranes. It is caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and it mainly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplants.
Choice D reason: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin its color. It usually appears as a mole or a new or changing spot on the skin that may have an irregular shape, color, or border. It is the most common type of skin cancer, and also the most serious, as it can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
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