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

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.

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

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Continuing the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard is not the best action to implement next. It may result in an inaccurate measurement of the diastolic pressure, as the cuff pressure may be too low to detect the sound.

Choice B reason: Repositioning the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point is not a necessary action to implement next. It may not affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement, as the nurse already hears the Korotkoff sounds clearly.

Choice C reason: Inflating the cuff quickly to a higher mm Hg reading than the previously auscultated systolic sound is not a safe action to implement next. It may cause discomfort and injury to the client, as the cuff pressure may be too high and occlude the blood flow.

Choice D reason: Releasing the air and reinflating the cuff to 30 mm Hg above the client's previous systolic reading is the best action to implement next. It helps to avoid the auscultatory gap, which is a period of silence between the systolic and diastolic pressures. It also ensures that the cuff pressure is high enough to detect the true systolic and diastolic pressures.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Removing the nasal cannula is not appropriate as it would deprive the client of supplemental oxygen. The client's oxygen saturation is below the normal range of 95% to 100%, indicating hypoxemia.

Choice B reason:While increasing oxygen might seem appropriate, this should only be done after verifying the accuracy of the pulse oximeter reading and assessing the client’s overall condition. Automatically increasing oxygen without further assessment could delay addressing other underlying issues or lead to over-oxygenation in clients with certain conditions like COPD.

Choice C reason:The first step is to ensure the accuracy of the pulse oximeter reading by checking its placement and ruling out factors that can interfere with accurate readings, such as poor circulation, cold extremities, nail polish, or motion artifacts. This ensures that the subsequent intervention is based on reliable data.

Choice D reason: Switching to a non-rebreather mask is not necessary as it would deliver a high concentration of oxygen (up to 100%) that may be excessive for the client. A nasal cannula can deliver oxygen from 1 to 6 L/minute, depending on the client's needs.

A. Paper mask and gown. B. The nurse's stethoscope. C. Bed linens. D. Sputum specimen.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Paper mask and gown are considered regulated medical waste, which means they are contaminated with blood, body fluids, or microorganisms that pose a potential risk of infection¹. Therefore, they should be placed in a designated biohazard bag before they are removed from the room and treated according to the facility's policies and procedures².

Choice B reason: The nurse's stethoscope is not a disposable item and does not need to be placed in a biohazard bag. However, it should be cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent cross-contamination³.

Choice C reason: Bed linens are not classified as regulated medical waste unless they are soaked with blood or body fluids¹. They can be placed in a regular laundry bag and washed according to the facility's guidelines.

Choice D reason: Sputum specimen is a type of microbiology laboratory waste, which is regulated medical waste¹. However, it should not be placed in a biohazard bag, but in a leak-proof, puncture-resistant container that is labeled with a biohazard symbol. This ensures the safe transport and handling of the specimen.

View Question and Answer

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

While assessing a client's blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm Hg. 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

The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is admitted with pneumonia and has a recent history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The client is placed in isolation. While caring for the client, which item should the nurse place in a designated biohazard bag before it is removed from the room?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform prior to the application of a heating pad?

After a week of bedrest, a client is being assisted to a chair for the first time. The nurse raises the head of the bed and moves the client to a sitting position. Which action should the nurse implement next?

The nurse is preparing to give an emergency sedative injection to an agitated client. Which action by the nurse comprises a tort?

The nurse observes that there are reddened areas on the cheekbones of a client receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 92%. Which intervention would the nurse implement?

A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Which equipment should the nurse use to most accurately measure a 2 mL dose of viscous liquid solution to be administered orally?

A 16-year-old emancipated client is being seen in the emergency department following a minor automobile accident. The client's parents arrive and are asking questions about the client's laboratory results. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?