Your patient's blood pressure is 118/82. He asks you to explain "what the numbers mean." You reply:
"The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure on the arteries when the heart contracts."
"The numbers are within normal range and nothing to worry about."
The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand. The main thing to be concerned about is the top number, or systolic blood pressure."
"The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure on the arteries when the heart contracts." The systolic pressure (118 mmHg) represents the force exerted on the arterial walls when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
B. "The numbers are within normal range and nothing to worry about." While 118/82 mmHg is within the normal range, this response does not explain what the numbers mean, which was the patient’s question.
C. "The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand. The main thing to be concerned about is the top number, or systolic blood pressure." While the systolic pressure is important, the diastolic pressure is also crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. This response also discourages patient education.
D. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart." Diastolic pressure (82 mmHg) represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, not stroke volume, which refers to the amount of blood ejected per heartbeat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Positioning the bell very lightly over the patient's sternum. The bell is best for low-pitched sounds like murmurs, but heartbeats (especially S1 and S2) are better heard with the diaphragm over the apex of the heart, not the sternum.
B. Placing the diaphragm firmly against the patient's skin. The diaphragm is designed to pick up high-pitched sounds like the normal S1 and S2 heart sounds. Pressing firmly helps eliminate external noise and improves sound clarity.
C. Utilizing a stethoscope with the longest possible tubing. Longer tubing can reduce sound transmission quality. Shorter tubing (about 14-18 inches) provides clearer sound.
D. Making sure that the earpieces fit loosely in the nurse's ear canals. Earpieces should fit snugly, not loosely, to ensure optimal sound conduction and block external noise.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Dysrhythmia. Dysrhythmia refers to an irregular heart rhythm, not necessarily a fast heart rate. Tachycardia can be regular or irregular.
B. Tachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. A pulse rate of 110 to 140 bpm falls within this range.
C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate (below 60 bpm), which is the opposite of tachycardia.
D. Pyrexia. Pyrexia refers to fever (elevated body temperature), not an increased heart rate.
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