Author Question: The nurse will perform a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure. The reason for this ... (Read 125 times)

lindiwe · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse will perform a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure. The reason for this is to:

a. More clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds.
b. Detect the presence of an auscultatory gap.
c. Avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure.
d. More readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds.

Question 2

A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. The nurse should:

a. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs.
b. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings because of his recent exercise.
c. Immediately monitor his vital signs on his arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences.
d. Check his blood pressure in the supine position, which will provide a more accurate reading and will allow him to relax at the same time.

Hikerman221 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Inflation of the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point at which a palpated pulse disappears will avoid missing an auscultatory gap, which is a period when the Korotkoff sounds disappear during auscultation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A comfortable, relaxed person yields a valid blood pressure. Many people are anxious at the beginning of an examination; the nurse should allow at least a 5-minute rest period before measuring blood pressure.