The nurse is obtaining a systolic blood pressure by palpation. While inflating the cuff, the radial pulse is no longer palpable at 90 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?
Release the manometer valve immediately.
Document the absence of the radial pulse.
Inflate the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg.
Record a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Releasing the manometer valve immediately is not appropriate as it does not allow for an accurate measurement of systolic blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Documenting the absence of the radial pulse is not the correct action. The nurse needs to continue the procedure to obtain an accurate systolic blood pressure reading.
Choice C rationale
Inflating the blood pressure cuff to 120 mm Hg is the correct action. The nurse should inflate the cuff 30 mm Hg above the point where the radial pulse is no longer palpable to ensure an accurate measurement.
Choice D rationale
Recording a palpable systolic pressure of 90 mm Hg is incorrect. The nurse needs to inflate the cuff further to obtain an accurate systolic blood pressure reading.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing for a gag reflex before performing oral care is a standard practice to ensure the client’s safety and prevent aspiration. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Choice B rationale
Placing the client in a supine position is incorrect and indicates a need for additional training. The correct position for performing oral care on an unconscious client is a side-lying position to prevent aspiration and ensure secretions can drain from the mouth.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning secretions from the posterior pharynx is a necessary action to maintain airway patency and prevent aspiration. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Choice D rationale
Using an oral airway to keep the teeth apart is a standard practice to facilitate oral care and prevent the client from biting down on the caregiver’s fingers or equipment. This action does not indicate a need for additional training.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the client if they understand after each instruction may not be effective if the client is not comfortable expressing confusion or misunderstanding. It does not allow for direct observation of the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks.
Choice B rationale
Having an interpreter repeat the wound care instructions may be helpful, but it still does not allow for direct observation of the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks.
Choice C rationale
Having the client demonstrate prescribed wound care is the best way to evaluate the client’s understanding of self-care at home. This allows the nurse to directly observe the client’s ability to perform the necessary tasks and provide feedback and clarification as needed.
Choice D rationale
Providing written instructions in the client’s native language may be helpful, but it does not allow the nurse to directly evaluate the client’s understanding.