Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions Related

Review Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions related questions and content

A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and compare the reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings for accuracy.
  • B. Contact the health care provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
  • C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort during blood pressure measurement.
  • D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg is to compare the current reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison helps determine whether the current reading is abnormal for the client. Option A, which involves informing the client that the blood pressure is high and comparing it with the previous readings, is appropriate as it educates the client and aids in accurate assessment. Option B, contacting the health care provider for medication, is premature without further assessment. Option C, replacing the cuff with a larger one, is incorrect as it may affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and is not a standard practice for managing high blood pressure readings.