Nokea
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 observing the IV catheter insertion site of a client who is receiving continuous IV therapy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication that the client has developed phlebitis?
- A. Erythema
- B. Pallor
- C. Coolness
- D. Drainage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Erythema. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, which commonly presents with redness (erythema) at the site. This is due to the body's response to the irritation caused by the IV catheter. Pallor (choice B) and coolness (choice C) are not typical signs of phlebitis, as they suggest decreased blood flow rather than inflammation. Drainage (choice D) may indicate an infection but is not specific to phlebitis. In summary, erythema is the key indicator of phlebitis due to the inflammatory response in the vein.
A nurse is caring for a client whose partner asks to speak with the nurse. The client's partner relates that she is concerned because her partner abuses alcohol and has difficulty maintaining employment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. If I were you, I would contact a support group.
- B. I'm so sorry to hear about this.
- C. I suggest you talk with the hospital chaplain about your concern.
- D. What have you done in the past to cope with this issue?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring the partner's past coping strategies encourages problem-solving and emotional support.
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. After opening the catheter kit and preparing the supplies, which of the following steps should the nurse perform next?
- A. Cleanse the meatus.
- B. Don sterile gloves.
- C. Cleanse the labia.
- D. Lubricate the catheter.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct next step is to don sterile gloves (choice B). This is essential to maintain aseptic technique and prevent infection during catheter insertion. Sterile gloves create a barrier between the nurse's hands and the client's urinary tract, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens. Cleansing the meatus (choice A) or labia (choice C) should come after donning sterile gloves to prevent contamination. Lubricating the catheter (choice D) should be done just before insertion to facilitate a smooth and comfortable procedure.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is Chinese and is recovering from a bowel obstruction. The client is prescribed a clear-liquid diet and asks the nurse for a cup of hot ginger tea. The nurse should identify that this request is for which of the following purposes?
- A. To regulate blood pressure
- B. To promote digestion
- C. To enhance the immune system
- D. To reduce inflammation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To promote digestion. Ginger tea is commonly used in Chinese culture to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal issues, making it a suitable choice for a client recovering from a bowel obstruction. Ginger has natural properties that can help stimulate digestive enzymes and improve digestion. This can be beneficial for the client to ease any potential digestive discomfort after the bowel obstruction.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Ginger tea is not typically used to regulate blood pressure.
C: While ginger can have some immune-boosting properties, the primary purpose in this scenario is related to digestion.
D: Ginger does have anti-inflammatory properties, but the client's request for ginger tea is more likely for digestive purposes.
A 46-year-old African-American man is in an outpatient clinic for a physical examination. His BP is 126/84 mm Hg, his BMI is 24, and he reports no previous medical problems. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Schedule his next appointment for 1 year from now.
- B. Provide information about how to reduce risk factors of hypertension.
- C. Schedule an appointment for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
- D. Provide information for a weight loss plan that includes increasing physical activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide information about how to reduce risk factors of hypertension. The rationale is as follows: The patient is at risk for developing hypertension based on his age, ethnicity, and BP reading. Providing information on reducing risk factors such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol can help prevent the development of hypertension. This proactive approach aligns with preventive healthcare measures.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because scheduling the next appointment for 1 year from now does not address the potential risk of hypertension, a PSA test is unrelated to the patient's current presentation, and weight loss is not indicated as the patient's BMI is within the normal range.