When auscultating the blood pressure of a 25-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the phase I Korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm Hg. At 100 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds muffle. At 92 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds disappear. How should the nurse record this patient's blood pressure?
- A. 200/92
- B. 200/100
- C. 100/200/92
- D. 200/100/92
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When auscultating blood pressure, it is crucial to note the points at which Korotkoff sounds change. In adults, the last audible sound indicates the diastolic pressure. In this case, the Korotkoff sounds muffle at 100 mm Hg and disappear at 92 mm Hg. Therefore, the blood pressure should be recorded as systolic/diastolic, which is 200/92. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct points where the Korotkoff sounds change during blood pressure measurement.
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The nurse is assessing an 80-year-old male patient. Which assessment finding would be considered normal?
- A. Decrease in body weight from his younger years
- B. Decrease in deposits of fat in the cheeks and forearms
- C. Presence of kyphosis and flexion in bilateral knees and hips
- D. Change in overall body proportion, including a longer trunk and shorter extremities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an 80-year-old male patient, the presence of kyphosis (rounded upper back) and flexion in bilateral knees and hips are considered normal age-related changes. These postural changes are commonly seen in older adults due to structural changes in the spine and joints. Option A is incorrect as aging individuals typically experience a decrease in body weight, not an increase. Option B is also incorrect as there is usually a decrease in subcutaneous fat from the face and periphery, rather than an increase in fat deposits in specific areas. Option D is incorrect because the change in overall body proportion with aging usually involves a shorter trunk and relatively longer extremities, not the other way around. This is because long bones do not shorten with age, leading to this characteristic change in body proportions.
What is the correct action regarding thigh pressure when comparing it to arm pressure in an adolescent with high blood pressure?
- A. The popliteal artery should be auscultated to obtain thigh pressure.
- B. The best position to measure thigh pressure is the prone position.
- C. If the blood pressure in the arm is high in an adolescent, then it should be compared with the thigh pressure.
- D. Thigh pressure is generally higher than arm pressure due to the proximity to the heart and the size of the popliteal vessels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When blood pressure measured in the arm is significantly elevated, especially in adolescents and young adults, it is crucial to compare it with thigh pressure to assess for coarctation of the aorta. The popliteal artery, not the femoral artery, should be auscultated for the thigh pressure reading as the femoral artery is closer to the placement of the blood pressure cuff. Generally, thigh pressure is higher than arm pressure; however, if there is coarctation of the artery, arm pressures can be higher than thigh pressures. The preferred position for measuring thigh pressure is the prone position, not supine, with the knee slightly bent to facilitate accurate readings.
The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20-year-old marathon runner and documents the following vital signs: temperature"?36°C; pulse"?48 beats per minute; respirations"?14 breaths per minute; blood pressure"?104/68 mm Hg. Which statement is true concerning these results?
- A. The patient is experiencing bradycardia.
- B. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.
- C. The patient's pulse rate is not normal"?no action is required.
- D. The patient's next clinic visit should occur as scheduled.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.' A pulse rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia in adults, but it is not a concern in well-trained athletes like marathon runners. Bradycardia is a normal physiological response to aerobic conditioning. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute, which is not the case here. The low pulse rate in this scenario is a reflection of the athlete's cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, there is no need to notify the physician or schedule a follow-up visit based on these findings.
When measuring a patient's body temperature, what factor should be considered that can influence the temperature?
- A. Constipation
- B. Diurnal cycle
- C. Nocturnal cycle
- D. Patient's emotional state
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When measuring body temperature, it is essential to consider factors that can influence it. The diurnal cycle, which refers to the body's natural temperature variations throughout a 24-hour period, can impact body temperature readings. Factors like exercise, age, and environment can also affect body temperature. Constipation does not directly influence body temperature. The 'nocturnal cycle' is not a recognized term in relation to body temperature. While a patient's emotional state can affect vital signs, it is not a primary factor in influencing body temperature measurements.
When preparing a patient on complete bed rest to eat, at what degree angle or more should you put the head of the bed up?
- A. 10
- B. 15
- C. 20
- D. 30
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 30. When a patient is on complete bed rest, it is essential to elevate the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle or more before meals. This position helps prevent choking and aspiration of food during eating by promoting proper swallowing and digestion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not provide the optimal elevation needed to support safe and effective feeding for a patient on complete bed rest.