the nurse notices that a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard sized blood pressure cuff ho

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. The healthcare professional notices that a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff. How would this likely affect the blood pressure reading?

A. Yield a falsely low blood pressure
B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a cuff that is too narrow for an obese patient would likely yield a falsely high blood pressure reading. This occurs because the standard cuff is too small for the arm's circumference, requiring more pressure to compress the artery. A tight cuff can lead to inaccurate and elevated blood pressure readings. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using an improperly sized cuff would not yield a falsely low blood pressure, the blood pressure reading does vary with cuff size, and the technique of the person performing the assessment is not the primary factor affecting the reading in this situation.

2. What does preload refer to?

A. The volume of blood entering the left side of the heart
B. The volume of blood entering the right side of the heart
C. The pressure in the venous system that the heart must overcome to pump the blood
D. The pressure in the arterial system that the heart must overcome to pump the blood

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preload refers to the volume of blood that enters the right side of the heart. This volume stretches the fibers in the heart before contraction. Preload is an essential factor in determining the force of ventricular contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because preload is specifically related to the volume of blood entering the right side of the heart. Choices C and D are incorrect as they refer to afterload, which is the pressure that the heart must overcome to pump blood out of the ventricles into the systemic or pulmonary circulation.

3. In the term 'Hemoglobin,' the suffix '-globin' means:

A. Protein
B. Iron
C. Metal
D. Blood

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The suffix '-globin' in the term 'Hemoglobin' specifically refers to a protein. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Choice B, 'Iron,' is incorrect as iron is a mineral component of hemoglobin but not the meaning of the suffix. Choice C, 'Metal,' is too broad and not specific to the meaning of the suffix in this context. Choice D, 'Blood,' is incorrect as it refers to the overall term 'Hemoglobin' rather than the specific meaning of the suffix '-globin.' Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Protein.'

4. A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?

A. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient's position.
B. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
C. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
D. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient's age.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.' Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic pressure of ³20 mm Hg or ³10 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure that occurs with a quick change to a standing position. This condition is common in individuals on prolonged bed rest, older adults, those with hypovolemia, or taking specific medications. The blood pressure readings provided in the question (150/90 mm Hg lying, 130/80 mm Hg sitting, and 100/60 mm Hg standing) demonstrate a significant change in blood pressure with position changes, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the readings do not indicate a normal response or blood pressure within normal limits for the patient's age; rather, they suggest the presence of orthostatic hypotension.

5. When considering the concepts related to blood pressure, which statement best describes the concept of mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

A. MAP is the pressure of the arterial pulse.
B. MAP reflects the stroke volume of the heart.
C. MAP is the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
D. MAP is an average of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and reflects tissue perfusion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is the pressure that forces blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. It is not the pressure of the arterial pulse (Choice A), nor does it directly reflect the stroke volume of the heart (Choice B). While MAP involves systolic and diastolic pressures, it is not simply an average of these two values as diastole lasts longer. Instead, MAP is closer to diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure. The best description of MAP is that it represents the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.