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 C
Explanation
A. Auscultation. Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds, usually with a stethoscope, such as heart, lung, or bowel sounds. It is not used for assessing the radial pulse.
B. Percussion. Percussion is the technique of tapping on body surfaces to assess underlying structures, such as detecting fluid in the lungs or assessing organ size. It is not used to assess pulses.
C. Palpation. Palpation involves using the fingers to feel for the radial pulse by applying gentle pressure over the radial artery at the wrist. This is the correct method for assessing a patient's radial pulse.
D. Inspection. Inspection involves visually examining the patient for abnormalities such as skin color, swelling, or deformities. It does not provide information about pulse rate or rhythm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Wait 30 minutes and take an oral temperature. Waiting 30 minutes ensures an accurate reading, as consuming hot or cold foods or drinks can alter oral temperature results.
B. Advise the patient to drink a glass of cold water. Drinking cold water could artificially lower the oral temperature, leading to an inaccurate measurement.
C. Take a rectal temperature. A rectal temperature is not necessary in this situation unless a core temperature is required for clinical reasons.
D. Take the oral temperature as planned. Taking the oral temperature immediately after hot soup can result in a falsely elevated reading, making it unreliable.
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