Author Question: The patient was found unresponsive in her apartment and is being brought to the emergency ... (Read 59 times)

ereecah · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient was found unresponsive in her apartment and is being brought to the emergency department. She has arm, hand, and leg edema, her temperature is 95.6 F, and her hands are cold secondary to her history of peripheral vascular disease.

It is reported that she has a latex allergy. To quickly measure the patient's oxygen saturation, what should the nurse do?
a. Attach a finger probe to the patient's index finger.
b. Place a nonadhesive sensor on the patient's ear lobe.
c. Attach a disposable adhesive sensor to the bridge of the patient's nose.
d. Place the sensor on the same arm that the electronic blood pressure cuff is on.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a pulse rate of 44. His blood pressure is within normal limits. In trying to determine the cause of the patient's low heart rate, the nurse would suspect

a. That the patient would have a fever.
b. Possible hemorrhage or bleeding.
c. Calcium channel blockers or digitalis medications.
d. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

ergserg · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Select ear or bridge of nose if an adult patient has a history of peripheral vascular disease. Do not attach sensor to finger, ear, or bridge of nose if area is edematous or skin integrity is compromised. Do not use disposable adhesive probes if the patient has latex allergy. Do not attach probe to fingers that are hypothermic. Do not place sensor on the same extremity as electronic blood pressure cuff because blood flow to finger will be temporarily interrupted when cuff inflates.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Negative chronotropic drugs such as digitalis, beta-adrenergic agents, and calcium channel blockers can slow down pulse rate. Fever, bleeding, hemorrhage, and COPD all increase the body's need for oxygen, leading to an increased heart rate.