When a nurse obtains an unusually low blood pressure measurement for a client whose blood pressure is generally elevated, she considers the possibility of a problem with her technique. Which of the following sources of error should she consider as a possible cause of the low reading?
- A. Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client's arm
- B. Positioning the client's arm above heart level
- C. Measuring blood pressure right after the client's mealtime
- D. Deflating the cuff too slowly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client's arm above heart level. When the client's arm is positioned above heart level, it can lead to an artificially low blood pressure reading due to gravitational effects. This position can cause blood to pool in the arm, reducing the pressure in the arteries and resulting in an inaccurate measurement. This error is known as hydrostatic pressure error. Wrapping the cuff too loosely (choice A) can lead to an inaccurate reading due to inadequate compression of the artery. Measuring blood pressure right after a meal (choice C) can also affect the reading due to the body's response to food intake. Deflating the cuff too slowly (choice D) can result in a falsely elevated diastolic reading.
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A nurse is caring for a client whose hysterectomy wound has eviscerated. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Assure the client that this is an expected occurrence after surgery.
- B. Apply an abdominal binder to the wound area.
- C. Turn the client onto her side.
- D. Cover the wound with a moist sterile dressing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action is to cover the wound with a moist sterile dressing (choice D). This helps to maintain a moist environment for wound healing and prevents infection. Assuring the client that evisceration is expected (choice A) is incorrect and can cause distress. Applying an abdominal binder (choice B) can increase pressure on the wound and worsen the evisceration. Turning the client onto her side (choice C) is not recommended as the eviscerated wound needs immediate attention. Overall, choice D is the most appropriate immediate action to protect the wound and promote healing.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and wanders at night. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
- A. Assign the client to a quiet room away from the nurses' station.
- B. Elevate the four side rails on the client's bed at night time.
- C. Encourage the client to rest during the day.
- D. Take the client to the bathroom on a regular schedule.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Take the client to the bathroom on a regular schedule. This intervention helps reduce the risk of falls and incontinence by ensuring the client's regular toileting needs are met. It also helps maintain the client's dignity and comfort. Assigning the client to a quiet room away from the nurses' station (A) may increase feelings of isolation and anxiety. Elevating all four side rails on the bed (B) can be considered a restraint and is not recommended as a first-line intervention. Encouraging the client to rest during the day (C) may disrupt the client's circadian rhythm and worsen nighttime wandering.
A provider is discharging a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. The nurse should reinforce which of the following instructions with the client and his family? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Cleanse the mask or collar with soapy water every other day.
- B. Make sure the straps on the mask are secure but not too tight.
- C. Check the tops of his ears regularly for skin breakdown.
- D. Post 'no smoking' warning signs at home in a prominent location.
- E. Apply petroleum jelly around and inside the nares.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale:
B: Making sure the straps on the mask are secure but not too tight is essential to ensure proper oxygen delivery without discomfort or skin irritation.
C: Checking the tops of the ears regularly for skin breakdown is important as the oxygen tubing can cause pressure and skin breakdown in this area.
D: Posting 'no smoking' warning signs at home in a prominent location is crucial as oxygen is highly flammable and can lead to a fire hazard if exposed to smoking or open flames.
Summary:
A: Cleansing the mask or collar with soapy water every other day is not necessary for home oxygen therapy as frequent cleaning can damage the equipment.
E: Applying petroleum jelly around and inside the nares is not recommended as it can interfere with oxygen delivery and cause respiratory issues.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who requires bed rest and has developed thrombophlebitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect when examining the client's leg?
- A. Cool skin
- B. Numbness
- C. Pallor
- D. Edema
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Edema. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein with a blood clot, leading to impaired blood flow. Edema, or swelling, is a common symptom due to the obstruction of blood flow. This results in fluid accumulation in the affected area. Cool skin, numbness, and pallor are not typical findings in thrombophlebitis. Cool skin and numbness are more indicative of nerve or circulation issues, while pallor suggests reduced blood flow but is not a common finding in thrombophlebitis.
A nurse is performing chest physiotherapy for a client with a respiratory infection. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to increase the velocity and turbulence of the air the client exhales?
- A. Postural drainage
- B. Nebulization
- C. Percussion
- D. Vibration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vibration increases air turbulence and helps loosen secretions, facilitating expectoration.