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What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?
- A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
- B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
- C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
- D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.
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Which of the following puts the layers of skin in the correct order from right to left?
- A. Dermis, epidermis, hypodermis
- B. Hypodermis, epidermis, dermis
- C. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of skin from outermost to innermost is the epidermis, dermis, and then the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis, which is the middle layer containing connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue, lies beneath the dermis and consists of fat and connective tissue. Choice A is incorrect as it lists the layers in the reverse order. Choice B is incorrect as it reverses the order of the layers. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct answer among the choices.
When taking blood pressures on a variety of people at a health fair, what should the nurse keep in mind?
- A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually higher than those taken in men.
- B. The blood pressure of an African-American adult is usually higher than that of a non-Hispanic White adult of the same age.
- C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight are usually higher than those of people who are at a normal weight.
- D. A teenager's blood pressure reading may be lower than that of an adult.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When assessing blood pressures, it is important to consider that the blood pressure of African-American adults is typically higher than that of non-Hispanic White adults of the same age. This is significant as Black individuals in the United States have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other groups. Blood pressure readings in women are generally higher than in men after menopause. Additionally, blood pressure measurements in overweight individuals are typically higher than those in individuals of normal weight. While teenagers may have lower blood pressure readings than adults, it is crucial to recognize the trend of a gradual rise in blood pressure throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, the correct choice is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the typical blood pressure differences observed in various populations.
When counting an infant's respirations, which technique is correct?
- A. Watching the chest rise and fall
- B. Observing the movement of the abdomen
- C. Placing a hand across the infant's chest
- D. Using a stethoscope to listen to the breath sounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique for counting an infant's respirations is to observe the movement of the abdomen. Infants typically have more diaphragmatic breathing than thoracic, so watching the abdomen provides a more accurate count. Placing a hand on the chest or listening with a stethoscope can alter the infant's breathing pattern and provide inaccurate results. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect methods for counting an infant's respirations. By observing the movement of the abdomen, healthcare providers can accurately assess an infant's respiratory rate without influencing their breathing pattern.
A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, what action would the nurse take?
- A. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation.
- B. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.
- C. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference.
- D. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In infants, a normal head measurement is approximately 32 to 38 cm, and it is usually around 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. These measurements vary with age; between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference becomes greater than the head circumference. Given that the 1-month-old infant's head measurement is within the typical range and slightly larger than the chest circumference, the nurse should consider these findings normal. There is no indication to refer the infant for further evaluation or to have the parent return for re-evaluation in 2 weeks, as these measurements fall within the expected parameters for a 1-month-old infant.
The nurse is assessing children in a pediatric clinic. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children?
- A. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on age.
- B. Phase II Korotkoff sounds are the best indicator of systolic blood pressure in children.
- C. Using a Doppler device is recommended for accurate blood pressure measurements until adolescence.
- D. The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on more than just age, but also sex and height. Phase I Korotkoff, not Phase II, is the best indicator of systolic blood pressure. The true statement regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children is that the disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults.