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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assigning the newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to clients who require the least complex level of care is not the best approach to ensure adequate care for all clients. It may limit the UAP's opportunities for learning and growth and may not fully utilize their skills.
Choice B rationale:
Asking the most experienced UAP to partner with the newly hired UAP is a reasonable approach, but it may not provide a comprehensive solution. It can be beneficial for mentorship and guidance, but it may not address all the clients' needs efficiently.
Choice C rationale:
Reviewing the UAP's skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP is an important step in assessing competency. However, it alone may not ensure adequate care for all clients. Competency assessment should be ongoing and include direct observation of care delivery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "This medication will help regulate my mood and anxiety," is an accurate description of how antidepressants work. Antidepressants can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Expecting immediate results from antidepressant medication is a misunderstanding. Antidepressants typically take several weeks to show their full therapeutic effects. Clients need to be informed about the delayed onset of action.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "I may experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness," is accurate. Antidepressants can indeed cause side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and drowsiness. This information is essential for the client to be aware of.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is correct. It is crucial to take antidepressant medication consistently as prescribed for the best therapeutic outcomes. Stopping or missing doses without consulting a healthcare provider can lead to treatment ineffectiveness.
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