Which of the following formulas should a medical assistant use to determine a patient's pulse rate?
Take the patient's pulse for 5 seconds and multiply by 10.
Take the patient's pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 2.
Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 4.
Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Take the patient's pulse for 5 seconds and multiply by 10: Measuring for 5 seconds and multiplying by 10 is less accurate due to the short measurement time.
B. Take the patient's pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 2: While this method is more accurate than taking it for 5 seconds, the recommended practice is to measure for 30 seconds for better accuracy.
C. Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 4: This would be used to determine a pulse rate per minute from a 15-second measurement, not 30 seconds.
D. Take the patient's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2: This method provides a precise measurement of the pulse rate, as taking the pulse for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 gives the number of beats per minute.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Irrigate the wound with sterile normal saline. Irrigating the wound with sterile normal saline is the appropriate action for cleaning a contaminated wound, as it helps to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection.
B. Insert liquid bandage into the wound. A liquid bandage is not appropriate for a contaminated wound, especially if the wound is jagged, as it could trap contaminants inside.
C. Wash the wound with soap and warm water. While soap and water are good for general wound cleaning, sterile normal saline is preferred for contaminated wounds in a clinical setting to minimize irritation and infection.
D. Apply microporous tape to the wound. Microporous tape is used for securing dressings, not for cleaning wounds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wipe away the first five drops of blood after puncturing: Only the first drop of blood should be wiped away to remove any tissue fluid, not the first five drops.
B. Apply even pressure to the finger during the collection: Applying even pressure helps to promote blood flow without causing hemolysis or excessive squeezing, which could affect test results.
C. Puncture the index finger at the tip: The recommended site for a capillary puncture is the side of the middle or ring finger, not the tip of the index finger.
D. Puncture parallel to the fingerprint: The puncture should be made perpendicular to the fingerprint ridges to ensure an adequate blood flow and reduce the risk of blood running along the ridges.