A patient's blood pressure suddenly drops from 132/82 to 104/52. The nurse notes that the patient's skin is pale and the patient appears ready to faint. What is the priority action of the nurse?
Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit.
Immediately check the client's carotid pulse.
Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees.
Report the findings to the health care provider immediately.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit. While an apical pulse assessment may be useful later, the priority in a sudden drop in blood pressure with signs of fainting is to ensure adequate circulation by checking a central pulse.
B. Immediately check the client's carotid pulse. A significant blood pressure drop (132/82 to 104/52), pale skin, and signs of fainting suggest possible shock or circulatory collapse. The carotid pulse should be checked immediately to assess perfusion.
C. Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees. Raising the head of the bed could worsen hypotension and decrease blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of syncope. The Trendelenburg position or lying flat may be more appropriate.
D. Report the findings to the health care provider immediately. While the provider should be notified, the priority action is to assess circulation by checking the carotid pulse first before escalating care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Choose a cuff that is the right size. Using the correct cuff size is essential for accurate blood pressure readings. A cuff that is too small can falsely elevate readings, while a cuff that is too large can falsely lower them.
B. Support the extremity. The arm should be supported at heart level to prevent unnecessary muscle strain, which could affect blood pressure readings. An unsupported arm may lead to an artificially higher reading.
C. Have the patient cross their legs while taking blood pressure. Crossing the legs can increase blood pressure by reducing venous return and increasing vascular resistance, leading to inaccurate measurements. The patient should keep their feet flat on the floor.
D. Ensure proper cuff application. The cuff should be placed snugly around the upper arm with the artery marker positioned correctly over the brachial artery. Improper placement can lead to inaccurate readings.
E. Ensure that the patient is sitting or lying. Blood pressure should be measured while the patient is in a stable position—either sitting with feet flat on the floor or lying down. Standing may result in postural changes that can alter blood pressure readings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Temperature, pulse, respirations, BP. While these are standard vital signs, they do not include oxygen saturation or pain level, both of which are critical in a patient with chest pain.
B. Temperature, pulse, respirations, BP, pain. Pain is an essential assessment, especially for chest pain, but oxygen saturation should also be measured to assess for hypoxia, which can contribute to cardiac symptoms.
C. BP, respirations, temperature, pulse. This option omits both oxygen saturation and pain level, which are essential in evaluating cardiac and respiratory function in a patient presenting with chest pain.
D. Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, O2 sat, pain. This option includes all critical assessments for a patient with chest pain. Oxygen saturation helps assess respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and pain assessment is vital in determining the severity and possible cause of the chest pain.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.