The nurse is assessing vital signs and is preparing to measure the client's blood pressure. Prior to obtaining the blood pressure, what action would be most appropriate?
Inflate the blood pressure cuff 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears.
Assist the patient to a standing position for five to ten minutes.
Palpate the radial artery and place your stethoscope lightly over this area.
Measure the blood pressure cuff, ensuring that the cuff encircles 60% of the client’s arm.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Inflating the blood pressure cuff 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears is correct. This method, known as the palpatory method, prevents auscultatory gap errors and ensures an accurate blood pressure reading.
B. Assisting the patient to a standing position for five to ten minutes is incorrect unless assessing for orthostatic hypotension. For routine blood pressure measurements, the client should be seated and at rest for at least five minutes.
C. Palpating the radial artery and placing the stethoscope lightly over this area is incorrect because blood pressure is auscultated over the brachial artery, not the radial artery.
D. Measuring the blood pressure cuff to encircle 60% of the client’s arm is incorrect. The correct guideline is that the cuff bladder should encircle at least 80% of the arm circumference, not 60%.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypoglycemia is not a primary cause of dehydration, though it can contribute to other symptoms.
B. Asking about diuretic medications is correct because diuretics increase urine output, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration, particularly in older adults who may not adequately compensate with fluid intake.
C. The types of food purchased can influence hydration status but are not a primary factor in acute dehydration.
D. Over-the-counter supplements may have effects on hydration, but they are not the most immediate concern when assessing risk factors for dehydration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Systemic infection can cause fever, but older adults often present with atypical signs, including a lack of fever, rather than the classic response.
B. The presence of a productive cough, abnormal breath sounds, and shortness of breath suggests a respiratory infection rather than a cardiac issue.
C. While older adults may be more susceptible to hypothermia, the client’s symptoms align with infection rather than hypothermia.
D. "The client's normothermic temperature does not rule out the presence of an infection" is correct because older adults may have a blunted febrile response to infection due to age-related changes in thermoregulation. An absence of fever does not exclude infection in elderly patients.
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