The nurse is performing a general survey of a patient. Which ...

[corkyiscool3328]

The nurse is performing a general survey of a patient. Which finding is considered normal?
 
  a. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
  b. The patient appears older than his stated age.
  c. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.
  d. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) equals the patient's height.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to measure the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant. Which action by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. Respirations are measured; then pulse and temperature.
  b. Vital signs should be measured more frequently than in an adult.
  c. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment.
  d. The nurse should first perform the physical examination to allow the infant to become more familiar with her and then measure the infant's vital signs.

[nhea]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
When performing the general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should equal the patient's height. An arm span that is greater than the person's height may indicate Marfan syndrome. The base should be wide when the patient is standing, and an older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of a chronic illness or chronic alcoholism.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
With an infant, the order of vital sign measurements is reversed to respiration, pulse, and temperature. Taking the temperature first, especially if it is rectal, may cause the infant to cry, which will increase the respiratory and pulse rate, thus masking the normal resting values. The vital signs are measured with the same purpose and frequency as would be measured in an adult.