Ati lpn fundamentals exam
Ati lpn fundamentals exam ( 39 Questions)
When a nurse records an unusually low blood pressure for a client who typically has elevated readings, she considers the possibility of a technique issue. Which of the following sources of error should she consider as a potential cause of the low reading?
Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to inaccurately low blood pressure readings. The cuff must be snug but not too tight, ensuring that it can fully compress the artery. A loose cuff fails to provide the necessary pressure, resulting in a reading that does not accurately reflect the client's blood pressure.
Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can sometimes affect the reading, but it typically does not cause a low reading. Postprandial hypotension, a drop in blood pressure after eating, is more common in older adults and those with certain health conditions, but it is not a widespread cause of low readings in the general population.
Positioning the client's arm above heart level can actually result in a reading that is falsely low. The heart level is the reference point for accurate blood pressure measurement because it is the level of the right atrium, where central venous pressure is measured.
Deflating the cuff too slowly can lead to inaccuracies, but it typically results in a higher diastolic reading, not a lower overall reading. A slow deflation rate can cause the nurse to miss the first Korotkoff sounds, which indicate the systolic pressure.
Choice A reason: Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to inaccurately low blood pressure readings. The cuff must be snug but not too tight, ensuring that it can fully compress the artery. A loose cuff fails to provide the necessary pressure, resulting in a reading that does not accurately reflect the client's blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can sometimes affect the reading, but it typically does not cause a low reading. Postprandial hypotension, a drop in blood pressure after eating, is more common in older adults and those with certain health conditions, but it is not a widespread cause of low readings in the general population.
Choice C reason: Positioning the client's arm above heart level can actually result in a reading that is falsely low. The heart level is the reference point for accurate blood pressure measurement because it is the level of the right atrium, where central venous pressure is measured.
Choice D reason: Deflating the cuff too slowly can lead to inaccuracies, but it typically results in a higher diastolic reading, not a lower overall reading. A slow deflation rate can cause the nurse to miss the first Korotkoff sounds, which indicate the systolic pressure.