The patient is found to be unresponsive and not breathing. Which pulse site will the nurse use?
Carotid
Apical
Radial
Brachial
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The carotid pulse is used for unresponsive, non-breathing patients, as it is the most reliable central pulse, reflecting cardiac output during cardiac arrest. Its accessibility and strength make it ideal for rapid assessment, guiding CPR initiation, per ACLS and emergency assessment protocols.
Choice B reason: The apical pulse, assessed via auscultation, is impractical for an unresponsive, non-breathing patient, requiring time and equipment. In emergencies, the carotid pulse is faster and more reliable to confirm pulselessness, ensuring timely CPR, per cardiac arrest management guidelines.
Choice C reason: The radial pulse is peripheral and less reliable in cardiac arrest, as it may be absent due to poor perfusion. The carotid pulse better reflects central circulation, critical for assessing unresponsiveness and apnea, guiding immediate resuscitation efforts, per emergency care standards.
Choice D reason: The brachial pulse is used in infants or for blood pressure but is less accessible than the carotid in adults during arrest. The carotid provides a quick, reliable pulse check, ensuring rapid initiation of life-saving measures, per ACLS and pulse assessment protocols.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: In SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), chest pain is part of the Situation (S), describing the current issue. Background (B) includes relevant medical history, like angina, which causes chest pain due to myocardial ischemia from reduced coronary blood flow. Chest pain is the presenting symptom, not historical context, making it incorrect for B.
Choice B reason: Pulse rate of 108 is part of the Assessment (A) in SBAR, reflecting current vital signs. Background (B) provides historical context, such as the patient’s angina diagnosis, which predisposes to myocardial ischemia. Tachycardia may result from pain or hypoxia but is a current finding, not historical data, making it incorrect for B.
Choice C reason: History of angina is the Background (B) in SBAR, providing relevant medical history. Angina, caused by coronary artery narrowing, reduces myocardial oxygen supply, leading to chest pain. This context informs the current episode of pain and tachycardia, guiding assessment and treatment, making it the correct data for the Background component.
Choice D reason: Oxygen is needed is part of the Recommendation (R) in SBAR, suggesting an intervention. Background (B) includes past medical history, like angina, which explains the patient’s predisposition to chest pain. Recommending oxygen addresses current hypoxia but is not historical data, making it inappropriate for the Background section of SBAR.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nonmaleficence, “do no harm,” is exemplified by protecting clients from an impaired provider, whose opioid use could lead to errors or unsafe care. This action prevents harm, prioritizing patient safety, and aligns with ethical principles of nursing, per professional standards and patient advocacy.
Choice B reason: Performing dressing changes promotes healing, an act of beneficence (doing good), not nonmaleficence. While it prevents infection, the primary intent is therapeutic benefit, not harm prevention, making it less aligned with nonmaleficence’s focus on avoiding harm, per nursing ethics.
Choice C reason: Providing emotional support is beneficence, as it actively benefits the client’s well-being. Nonmaleficence focuses on preventing harm, not promoting positive outcomes. Support reduces anxiety but does not directly address harm avoidance, making it incorrect for nonmaleficence, per ethical principles in nursing.
Choice D reason: Administering pain medication is beneficence, relieving suffering to improve comfort. Nonmaleficence involves avoiding harm, not providing therapeutic relief. While safe administration prevents harm, the primary goal is pain relief, not harm prevention, per nursing ethics and pharmacological care principles.
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.