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When measuring the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant, which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Respirations are measured first, followed by pulse and temperature.
- B. Vital signs should be measured as frequently as in an adult.
- C. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment.
- D. The nurse should first measure the infant's vital signs before performing a physical examination.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When assessing vital signs in a 6-month-old infant, the correct order is to measure respirations first, followed by pulse and temperature. This sequence is important to avoid potential alterations in respiratory and pulse rates caused by factors like crying or discomfort. Measuring the temperature first, especially rectally, may lead to an increase in respiratory and pulse rates, which can skew the results. It is crucial to follow this specific order to obtain accurate baseline values. Therefore, option A is the correct choice. Option B is incorrect as the frequency of measuring vital signs in infants differs based on individual needs rather than being consistently more frequent than in adults. Option C is not directly related to the correct sequence for measuring vital signs in infants. Option D is incorrect because the physical examination typically follows the assessment of vital signs in clinical practice.
You may also like to solve these questions
Where is the Loop of Henle located in the body?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidney
- C. Heart
- D. Ear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Loop of Henle is a crucial structure found in the kidneys. It plays a vital role in the concentration of urine by creating a concentration gradient in the renal medulla. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Loop of Henle is not located in the liver, heart, or ear. Understanding the anatomical location of the Loop of Henle is essential in comprehending renal physiology and the mechanism of action of diuretic medications.
While measuring a patient's blood pressure, which factor influences a patient's blood pressure?
- A. Pulse rate
- B. Pulse pressure
- C. Vascular output
- D. Peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, it is important to consider various factors that influence blood pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The level of blood pressure is affected by factors such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls. Pulse rate (Choice A) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute and is not a primary factor influencing blood pressure. Pulse pressure (Choice B) is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and does not directly impact blood pressure regulation. Vascular output (Choice C) is not a recognized term in blood pressure regulation and is not a primary factor affecting blood pressure.
A 4-month-old child is at the clinic for a well-baby checkup and immunizations. Which of these
actions is most appropriate when the nurse is assessing an infant's vital signs?
- A. The infant's radial pulse should be palpated, and the nurse should notice any
fluctuations resulting from activity or exercise. - B. The nurse should auscultate an apical rate for 1 minute and then assess for any
normal irregularities, such as sinus dysrhythmia.
- C. The infant's blood pressure should be assessed by using a stethoscope with a large
diaphragm piece to hear the soft muffled Korotkoff sounds. - D. The infant's chest should be observed and the respiratory rate counted for 1
minute; the respiratory pattern may vary significantly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse auscultates an apical rate, not a radial pulse, with infants and toddlers. The pulse should be
counted by listening to the heart for 1 full minute to account for normal irregularities, such as sinus
dysrhythmia. Children younger than 3 years of age have such small arm vessels; consequently,
hearing Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope is difficult. The nurse should use either an electronic
blood pressure device that uses oscillometry or a Doppler ultrasound device to amplify the sounds.
An infant's respiratory rate should be assessed by observing the infant's abdomen, not chest, because
an infant's respirations are normally more diaphragmatic than thoracic. The nurse should auscultate
an apical heart rate, not palpate a radial pulse, with infants and toddlers.
When considering the concepts related to blood pressure, which statement best describes the concept of mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
- A. MAP is the pressure of the arterial pulse.
- B. MAP reflects the stroke volume of the heart.
- C. MAP is the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
- D. MAP is an average of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and reflects tissue perfusion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is the pressure that forces blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. It is not the pressure of the arterial pulse (Choice A), nor does it directly reflect the stroke volume of the heart (Choice B). While MAP involves systolic and diastolic pressures, it is not simply an average of these two values as diastole lasts longer. Instead, MAP is closer to diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure. The best description of MAP is that it represents the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
On admission to the psychiatric unit, the client is trembling and appears fearful. The nurse's initial response should be to:
- A. Give the client orientation materials and review the unit rules and regulations.
- B. Introduce him/her and accompany the client to the client's room.
- C. Take the client to the day room and introduce him/her to the other clients.
- D. Ask the nursing assistant to get the client's vital signs and complete the admission search.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anxiety is triggered by change that threatens the individual's sense of security. In response to anxiety in clients, the nurse should remain calm, minimize stimuli, and move the client to a calmer, more secure/safe setting. The correct initial response is to introduce the client and accompany them to their room. This approach helps the client feel oriented, safe, and supported. Giving orientation materials or reviewing rules and regulations may overwhelm the client further. Taking the client to the day room and introducing them to other clients could increase anxiety by exposing them to unfamiliar faces. Asking the nursing assistant to get vital signs and complete admission tasks can wait until the client feels more settled and secure in their environment.