Nursing Elites

1. When taking a blood pressure reading, where should the cuff be positioned?

• A. The cuff should be deflated fully before immediately starting a second reading for the same patient
• B. The cuff should be deflated quickly after being inflated to 180 mmHg
• C. The cuff should be large enough to wrap around the upper arm of the adult patient, positioned 1 cm above the brachial artery
• D. The cuff should be inflated to 30 mmHg above the estimated systolic BP based on palpation of the radial or brachial artery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be inflated to 30 mmHg above the estimated systolic blood pressure based on palpation of the radial or brachial artery. This ensures an accurate blood pressure measurement. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Deflating the cuff fully before starting a second reading (Choice A) does not directly relate to the position of the cuff during a reading. Deflating the cuff quickly after inflating to 180 mmHg (Choice B) is not recommended because it can potentially lead to inaccurate readings. While ensuring the cuff is large enough to wrap around the upper arm positioned 1 cm above the brachial artery is important (Choice C), this alone does not guarantee an accurate blood pressure reading. The correct inflation based on palpation is the key element for accuracy, which is why Choice D is correct.

2. You are to measure the client's initial blood pressure reading by doing all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Take the blood pressure reading on both arms for comparison
• B. Listen to and identify the phases of Korotkoff sounds
• C. Pump the cuff to around 50 mmHg above the point where the pulse is obliterated
• D. Observe procedures for infection control

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When measuring blood pressure, it is crucial to follow specific steps to obtain accurate readings. Taking the blood pressure on both arms for comparison helps assess any variations. Pumping the cuff to around 50 mmHg above the point of pulse obliteration ensures accurate measurements. Observing procedures for infection control is vital to prevent the spread of infections. Listening to and identifying the phases of Korotkoff sounds are associated with auscultatory blood pressure measurements, not the initial blood pressure reading process.

3. The nurse notes that the fall might also cause a possible head injury. The patient will be observed for signs of increased intracranial pressure which include:

• A. Narrowing of the pulse pressure
• B. Vomiting
• C. Periorbital edema
• D. A positive Kernig's sign

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Periorbital edema is a sign of increased intracranial pressure. It is caused by fluid accumulation around the eyes due to compromised drainage. Narrowing of the pulse pressure is more indicative of shock than increased intracranial pressure. While vomiting can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, it is not as specific as periorbital edema. A positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis, not increased intracranial pressure.

4. When assessing for criteria that signify malnutrition risk, which element would most likely be included as part of the functional assessment data?

• A. severity of illness
• B. presence of pressure sores
• C. localized edema
• D. generalized weakness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Generalized weakness is a key indicator of malnutrition and is often assessed as part of functional status, reflecting muscle wasting and reduced physical function. The other choices, such as severity of illness, presence of pressure sores, and localized edema, are important factors to consider in a clinical assessment but are not primarily indicative of malnutrition risk. Generalized weakness directly relates to the functional impact of malnutrition on physical performance.

5. What intervention would be most appropriate for a patient who has difficulty eating because of chewing problems?

• A. Use squeeze bottles to pour liquids into the mouth
• B. Provide utensils that have modified handles
• C. Offer plates with food guards
• D. Provide soft foods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Providing soft foods is crucial for patients with chewing difficulties to ensure they can consume adequate nutrition without discomfort.

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