The practical nurse (PN) observes a newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is counting a client's radial pulse as seen in the picture. Which action should the PN take?
Instruct the UAP to report any abnormal findings.
Remind the UAP to check the client's pulse volume
Demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP
Confirm the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP
The Correct Answer is C
- A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate.
- To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse.
- In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A, B, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because instructing the UAP to report any abnormal findings does not address the error in technique.
Option B is incorrect because reminding the UAP to check the pulse volume does not address the error in technique.
Option D is incorrect because confirming the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP does not address the error in technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning. This choice is not appropriate for suctioning excessive drooling in a client with ALS. Instilling normal saline would introduce additional fluid into the oral cavity, potentially worsening the problem by increasing the amount of secretions. The goal of suctioning is to remove excess saliva and maintain a clear airway.
Choice B rationale:
Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed. Instructing the client to cough during suctioning is not a recommended practice. It may cause discomfort and can lead to an increased risk of aspiration as the client might inhale while coughing during the procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the suction catheter is a common practice to facilitate the passage of the catheter and minimize irritation to the client's oral tissues. While it is a helpful step, it is not the primary action that should be taken to ensure the safety of the procedure.
Choice D rationale:
Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure. This is the correct choice. When suctioning a client's oral cavity, especially when dealing with excessive drooling or secretions, it is essential for the nurse to wear protective goggles. These goggles protect the nurse's eyes from potential exposure to the client's bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Including the family in the discharge teaching is essential, especially when dealing with a client who has communication barriers such as hearing loss and illiteracy. Involving the daughter in the teaching process ensures that she is aware of the client's care needs and can provide support at home.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to attend reading classes is not a practical intervention for an older adult with hearing loss. Reading classes may not address the immediate communication needs of the client, and the client's primary caregiver, in this case, is the daughter who will provide daily care and support.
Choice C rationale:
Facing the client when speaking is a crucial intervention when dealing with someone who has hearing loss. By facing the client, the nurse ensures that the client can see their lips and facial expressions, which can aid in lip-reading and understanding the communication better.
Choice D rationale:
Speaking loudly when teaching is not always the best approach for clients with hearing loss. While it may seem intuitive to speak loudly, it can distort speech and make it more challenging for the client to understand. Clear and slow speech, along with visual cues, is often more effective.
Choice E rationale:
Providing the daughter with written instructions is essential, especially when the client has limited reading skills. Written instructions can serve as a reference guide for the daughter, helping her provide care and support to her father accurately.
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