The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged from the hospital after being treated for hypertension. The patient is instructed to take blood pressure 3 times a day and to keep a record of the readings. The nurse recommends that the patient purchase a portable electronic blood pressure device. Which other information will the nurse share with the patient?
You will need to use a stethoscope properly.
You can move your arm during the reading
You can apply the cuff in any manner
You will need to recalibrate the machine
The Correct Answer is D
A. You will need to use a stethoscope properly. A portable electronic blood pressure device is automatic and does not require the use of a stethoscope. The device detects oscillations in arterial pressure to provide a reading.
B. You can move your arm during the reading. Movement during the reading can interfere with accuracy and produce incorrect results. The patient should keep the arm still and at heart level.
C. You can apply the cuff in any manner. The cuff must be applied correctly—snug but not too tight, with the lower edge about 1 inch above the antecubital fossa, and the bladder of the cuff positioned over the artery—to ensure accurate readings.
D. You will need to recalibrate the machine. Electronic blood pressure devices require periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy. The patient should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recalibration and compare readings with a manual blood pressure check at clinic visits.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Initiate a peripheral IV: While an IV line is useful for medication administration, the patient’s pain has significantly improved with nitroglycerin. An IV may be necessary later, but it is not the next step in this scenario.
B. Administer another nitroglycerin tablet: Nitroglycerin can be repeated every 5 minutes up to 3 doses if chest pain persists or does not decrease significantly. Since the pain has improved (from 6 to 2), additional nitroglycerin is unnecessary.
C. Obtain an ECG/EKG: Even though the pain improved, unstable angina can progress to myocardial infarction. An ECG helps evaluate for ischemic changes and ensures the pain is truly resolving.
D. Call the Rapid Response Team (RRT): RRT should be called for worsening chest pain, unresponsiveness, or hemodynamic instability. Since the pain has improved, calling RRT is unnecessary.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "If I develop atelectasis, I will need a chest tube to drain excess fluid." Atelectasis is alveolar collapse, not fluid accumulation. Chest tubes are used for pneumothorax or pleural effusion, not for atelectasis.
B. "Hyperventilation will open up my alveoli, preventing atelectasis." Hyperventilation can cause respiratory alkalosis but does not effectively re-expand alveoli. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing are more effective.
C. "Atelectasis affects only those with chronic conditions such as emphysema." Atelectasis can affect anyone, especially postoperatively due to shallow breathing and reduced lung expansion. It is not exclusive to chronic conditions.
D. "It is important to do breathing exercises every hour to prevent atelectasis." Frequent deep breathing exercises, coughing, and incentive spirometry are essential for preventing atelectasis, especially after surgery.
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