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
Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask is unnecessary for droplet precautions. Particulate filter masks, such as N95 respirators, are required for airborne precautions, not droplet precautions.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient is correct. Droplet precautions require a standard surgical mask to prevent the transmission of infections like bacterial meningitis. This allows the UAP to safely provide care without the need for a particulate filter mask.
Choice C rationale
Determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is unnecessary for droplet precautions. This action is more relevant for airborne precautions, where particulate filter masks are required.
Choice D rationale
Advising the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care is incorrect. A standard face mask is sufficient for all aspects of care under droplet precautions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not the most critical intervention for a client with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who has received an opioid analgesic. The priority is to ensure airway patency.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency but is not as effective as applying the positive airway pressure device.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) is the most important intervention because it directly maintains airway patency and prevents respiratory compromise, which is crucial for a client with severe OSA2.
Choice D rationale
Putting and locking the side rails in place is important for safety but does not address the critical need to maintain airway patency in a client with severe OSA.
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