The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) obtain vital signs on four adult clients.
For which client should the nurse intervene to redirect to use of proper method?
Using automatic BP cuff with shivering client with history of an irregular heart rate.
Pulling the client’s ear pinna backward, up and out to obtain a tympanic membrane temperature.
Counting the client’s radial pulse who is supine with the forearm straight alongside the body.
Counting the respirations for one full minute for a client with tachypnea.
The Correct Answer is A
Using an automatic BP cuff with a shivering client with a history of an irregular heart rate can result in inaccurate and low readings.
This is because shivering can interfere with the cuff inflation and deflation, and an irregular heart rate can affect the accuracy of the device.
The nurse should intervene and use a manual BP cuff with a stethoscope instead.
Choice B is wrong because pulling the client’s ear pinna backward, up and out to obtain a tympanic membrane temperature is the correct technique for adults and older children. This helps to straighten the ear canal and allow the light to reflect on the tympanic membrane, which shares the same vascular artery as the hypothalamus.
Choice C is wrong because counting the client’s radial pulse who is supine with the forearm straight alongside the body is an appropriate method.
The radial pulse can be easily palpated at the wrist, and the supine position and straight forearm do not affect the pulse rate.
Choice D is wrong because counting the respirations for one full minute for a client with tachypnea is a recommended practice.
Tachypnea means rapid breathing, and counting for one full minute can ensure accuracy and detect any variations in the respiratory pattern.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Take this medication at least 30 minutes before ingesting any food or medication.
This is because alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that works by inhibiting the breakdown and reabsorption of bone. However, it has a very low bioavailability, which means that only a small amount of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally. Therefore, taking it with food or other medications can interfere with its absorption and reduce its effectiveness.
The other choices are wrong because:
A. Chew the tablet well and report any difficulty swallowing. This is wrong because alendronate tablets should not be chewed or crushed, but swallowed whole with a full glass of plain water. Chewing or crushing the tablets can increase the risk of irritation or damage to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Difficulty swallowing is a possible side effect of alendronate and should be reported to the doctor, but it is not an instruction for taking the medication.
B. Take the medication with six to eight ounces of milk. This is wrong because milk contains calcium, which can bind to alendronate and prevent its absorption. Alendronate should not be taken with any beverages other than plain water.
C. Lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medication. This is wrong because lying down after taking alendronate can increase the risk of esophageal irritation or
ulceration. Alendronate should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything, and the person should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
Normal ranges for bone density are expressed as T-scores, which compare a person’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal, a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone density (osteopenia), and a T-score of -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Notify the health care provider to report and anticipate new orders.
This is because an oral temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C) indicates a fever, which could be a sign of infection or inflammation in an elderly client.
A fever of this magnitude could also cause dehydration, confusion, or seizures in older adults.
Therefore, the nurse should notify the health care provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and treatment of the fever.
Choice B is wrong because covering the client with an additional blanket could increase the body temperature and worsen the fever.
The UAP should not recheck the temperature in two hours, but rather monitor it more frequently and report any changes to the nurse.
Choice C is wrong because charting the temperature on the vital signs sheet and reporting to the new shift coming on is not enough to address the urgency of the situation.
The nurse has a responsibility to act on abnormal findings and communicate them to the health care provider.
Choice D is wrong because assessing the client’s temperature rectally and comparing the results is not necessary and could cause discomfort or injury to the client.
Rectal temperatures are usually higher than oral temperatures by about 0.5° F (0.3° C), so this would not change the interpretation of the fever.
The normal range for oral temperature in adults is 97.6° F to 99.6° F (36.4° C to 37.6° C).
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