While assessing a client’s blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm calibration. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the client’s previous systolic reading.

Continue the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard.

Reposition the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point.

Inflate the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. This indicates that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow and the initial systolic reading was inaccurate. The nurse should release the air, wait for 15 to 30 seconds, and then reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound. This will ensure a more accurate measurement of the blood pressure.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard will result in a lower systolic reading and a higher diastolic reading than the actual blood pressure of the client. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point will not change the fact that the cuff was not inflated high enough to occlude the arterial blood flow. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct action to take when the nurse hears loud Korotkoff sounds immediately after releasing the air valve. Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound will cause discomfort and pain to the client and may damage the blood vessels. The nurse should release the air and reinflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the first systolic sound.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because abdominal girth can indicate the presence of fecal impaction, but it does not reflect the client's hemodynamic status or potential complications of the procedure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bowel sounds can indicate the level of bowel motility, but they do not provide information about the client's cardiovascular or respiratory function.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because vital signs can indicate the client's baseline condition and any changes during or after the procedure. Digital removal of a fecal impaction can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause bradycardia, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because breath sounds can indicate the client's respiratory status, but they are not directly affected by the procedure. However, breath sounds should be monitored for signs of aspiration if the client receives sedation or analgesia.

A. Hematocrit. B. Neutrophil count. C. Serum potassium and sodium levels. D. Blood pH level.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, which can indicate anemia or polycythemia, but not infection.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. A high neutrophil count can indicate a bacterial infection, such as in the wound.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because serum potassium and sodium levels are measures of the electrolyte balance in the blood, which can indicate dehydration, fluid overload, or kidney dysfunction, but not infection.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because blood pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, which can indicate acidosis or alkalosis, but not infection.

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While assessing a client’s blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm calibration. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction, it is most important for the nurse to perform which client assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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