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What times should the nurse measure vital signs? Select all that apply

 

Choice A rationale

This outcome statement focuses on the client’s ability to perform a specific task related to ostomy care. While it’s important for clients with a colostomy to learn how to change their ostomy bag, in the context of this scenario, where the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, the priority lies in managing their diabetes and adhering to the medication regimen. Therefore, while ostomy care is important, it may not be the most immediate concern.

Choice B rationale

This outcome statement indicates the client’s attempt to self-administer insulin but inability to perform the injection. While it’s important for clients to be able to self-administer insulin, the emphasis in this scenario should be on ensuring that the client adheres to the medication regimen, rather than focusing solely on their ability to self-administer insulin immediately after discharge. Therefore, while self-administration of insulin is relevant, it may not be the most immediate priority in the postoperative plan of care.

Choice C rationale

This outcome statement focuses on monitoring the client’s respiratory status by auscultating breath sounds at regular intervals. While respiratory assessment is important, especially postoperatively, it may not directly address the client’s primary health concern in this scenario, which is managing hyperglycemia and insulin administration.

Choice D rationale

This outcome statement directly addresses the client’s need to manage their hyperglycemia by adhering to the prescribed insulin regimen. Given that the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, ensuring medication adherence is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This choice aligns with the client’s health needs and goals following the surgical procedure and the development of hyperglycemia.

Choice A rationale

Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg without further action would likely underestimate the true systolic pressure. The nurse should inflate the cuff to a higher pressure to obtain an accurate measurement.

Choice B rationale

Releasing the manometer valve immediately would lead to deflating the cuff and potentially missing the opportunity to obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement.

Choice C rationale

Documenting the absence of the radial pulse is important, but it is also crucial to ensure that blood pressure measurements are obtained correctly. Further action is needed to obtain an accurate measurement.

Choice D rationale

Inflating the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg is the correct action. When the radial pulse becomes unpalpable during cuff inflation, the cuff should be inflated to a higher pressure (usually 20-30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse disappears) and then slowly deflated while palpating for the return of the radial pulse.