The nurse notes that the patient’s radial pulse is irregular. What is the most appropriate first action of the nurse?
Document the finding in the patient’s medical record.
Assess the brachial pulse for a pulse deficit.
Notify the health care provider immediately.
Count the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Documenting the finding in the patient’s medical record is an important step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first confirm the irregularity by counting the apical pulse.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Assessing the brachial pulse for a pulse deficit is a useful technique, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates. The nurse should first count the apical pulse before comparing it with the radial pulse.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Notifying the health care provider immediately is a necessary step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first gather more information by counting the apical pulse and determining the type and severity of the irregularity.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Counting the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute is the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The apical pulse is the most accurate way to measure the heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should listen to the heart sounds at the apex of the heart, which is located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. The nurse should count the number of beats and note any irregularities, such as skipped, extra, or uneven beats..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s core temperature has not dropped too low. The normal body temperature range is 97.7°F to 99.5°F¹. The patient’s temperature is still within this range, although it has decreased from a feverish level.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because vasodilation is the process of widening the blood vessels to increase blood flow and heat loss². This is a natural response of the body to lower the temperature when it is too high. Vasodilation can cause the skin to appear flushed and feel warm to the touch³.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient is not exhausted from shivering. Shivering is another mechanism of the body to increase the temperature when it is too low². Shivering involves involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat³. The patient’s temperature is not too low, so shivering is not likely to occur.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s infection has not spread to the bloodstream. A bloodstream infection, or sepsis, is a serious condition that can cause a high fever, not a low one. Sepsis can also cause other symptoms, such as chills, rapid breathing, and confusion. The patient’s temperature has dropped, not increased, and there is no evidence of sepsis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient has a history of noncompliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens is not a reason why this nursing diagnosis is considered to be a collaborative problem. A collaborative problem is a potential or actual health problem that requires the intervention of multiple health care professionals from different disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The patient's history of noncompliance is not related to the nature of the problem or the type of intervention required.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient must be closely monitored in an intensive care unit is not a reason why this nursing diagnosis is considered to be a collaborative problem. A collaborative problem is a potential or actual health problem that requires the intervention of multiple health care professionals from different disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The patient's need for close monitoring is not related to the nature of the problem or the type of intervention required.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because prevention of septic shock is not a measurable patient outcome is not a reason why this nursing diagnosis is considered to be a collaborative problem. A collaborative problem is a potential or actual health problem that requires the intervention of multiple health care professionals from different disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The measurability of the patient outcome is not related to the nature of the problem or the type of intervention required.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because both nursing and physician-prescribed interventions are required is a reason why this nursing diagnosis is considered to be a collaborative problem. A collaborative problem is a potential or actual health problem that requires the intervention of multiple health care professionals from different disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The problem of septic shock is a complex and life-threatening condition that involves multiple organ systems and requires both medical and nursing interventions to prevent, treat, and monitor the patient's status.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.