The nurse is obtaining a systolic blood pressure by palpation.
While inflating the cuff, the radial pulse is no longer palpable at 90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Record a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg.
Release the manometer valve immediately.
Document the absence of the radial pulse.
Inflate the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg without further action would likely underestimate the true systolic pressure. The nurse should inflate the cuff to a higher pressure to obtain an accurate measurement.
Choice B rationale
Releasing the manometer valve immediately would lead to deflating the cuff and potentially missing the opportunity to obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the absence of the radial pulse is important, but it is also crucial to ensure that blood pressure measurements are obtained correctly. Further action is needed to obtain an accurate measurement.
Choice D rationale
Inflating the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg is the correct action. When the radial pulse becomes unpalpable during cuff inflation, the cuff should be inflated to a higher pressure (usually 20-30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse disappears) and then slowly deflated while palpating for the return of the radial pulse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering PRN oral pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate. The nurse needs to understand the cause of the grimacing before intervening with medication.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client what is causing the grimacing is the first step. This allows the nurse to gather more information and understand the client’s experience, which is essential for appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the client’s nonverbal behavior is important but should follow the initial assessment. Understanding the cause of the grimacing takes priority.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the pain medications prescribed is a necessary step but should come after assessing the client’s current pain status and understanding the cause of the grimacing.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Double-checking all dosage calculations is a crucial error prevention technique. It helps ensure that the correct dose is administered and reduces the risk of medication errors. This step is especially important for medications like insulin, where precise dosing is critical.
Choice B rationale
This option seems incomplete and does not provide a clear error prevention technique. Therefore, it is not considered a correct choice.
Choice C rationale
Comparing the medication label to the order is essential to verify that the correct medication is being administered. This step helps prevent errors related to administering the wrong medication.
Choice D rationale
Using at least two client identifiers before administering a dose is a standard safety practice. It ensures that the medication is given to the correct patient and helps prevent errors related to patient misidentification.
Choice E rationale
Involving and educating clients in medication administration can help prevent errors by ensuring that clients are aware of their medications and can alert healthcare providers to any discrepancies. This collaborative approach enhances patient safety.
Choice F rationale
Documenting all medication in the electronic record as soon as it is given is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. This practice helps prevent duplicate dosing and ensures that all healthcare providers have access to the most current information.
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