when auscultating the blood pressure of a 25 year old patient the nurse notices that the phase i korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm hg at 100 mm hg the

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. When auscultating the blood pressure of a 25-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the phase I Korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm Hg. At 100 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds muffle. At 92 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds disappear. How should the nurse record this patient's blood pressure?

A. 200/92
B. 200/100
C. 100/200/92
D. 200/100/92

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When auscultating blood pressure, it is crucial to note the points at which Korotkoff sounds change. In adults, the last audible sound indicates the diastolic pressure. In this case, the Korotkoff sounds muffle at 100 mm Hg and disappear at 92 mm Hg. Therefore, the blood pressure should be recorded as systolic/diastolic, which is 200/92. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct points where the Korotkoff sounds change during blood pressure measurement.

2. A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension was recently changed to a new antihypertensive drug. He reports feeling dizzy at times. How would the nurse evaluate his blood pressure?

A. Blood pressure and pulse should be recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.
B. The patient should be directed to walk around the room and his blood pressure assessed after this activity.
C. Blood pressure and pulse are assessed at the beginning and at the end of the examination.
D. Blood pressure is taken on the right arm and then 5 minutes later on the left arm.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Orthostatic vital signs should be taken when the person is hypertensive or is taking antihypertensive medications, when the person reports fainting or syncope, or when volume depletion is suspected. The blood pressure and pulse readings are recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.

3. When a patient is standing in anatomical position, where are their feet?

A. Facing forward with the toes spread open
B. Facing out to the sides to open the hips
C. Side by side and facing forward; toes resting comfortably
D. The feet are pointed inward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person is standing in anatomical position, their feet are side by side, and they are facing forward with the toes pointing out to the sides to open the hips. This position allows for proper alignment of the body for anatomical reference. Choice A is incorrect because the feet should not be spread open, but rather side by side. Choice C is incorrect as it does not mention the correct positioning of the feet. Choice D is incorrect as the feet should not be pointed inward, but rather facing out to the sides to open the hips.

4. Your patient had a stroke, or CVA, five years ago. The resident still has right-sided weakness. You are ready to transfer the resident from the bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair should be positioned at the _____________.

A. head of the bed on the patient's right side
B. head of the bed on the patient's left side
C. bottom of the bed on the patient's right side
D. bottom of the bed on the patient's left side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned at the head of the bed on the resident's left side. This positioning allows the resident to use their stronger left side to assist with the transfer, compensating for the right-sided weakness. Placing the wheelchair at the head of the bed on the patient's right side (Choice A) would not utilize the stronger left side, which is crucial for the transfer. Similarly, positioning the wheelchair at the bottom of the bed on either side (Choices C and D) would not facilitate optimal assistance from the resident's stronger side during the transfer process.

5. When a patient refuses to believe a terminal diagnosis, they are exhibiting:

A. Regression
B. Mourning
C. Denial
D. Rationalization

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Denial is a defense mechanism where a patient rejects a reality that is too painful or difficult to accept. In the context of a terminal diagnosis, the patient may refuse to believe it in order to avoid facing the harsh truth. Regression (choice A) involves reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors and is not applicable in this scenario. Mourning (choice B) is the process of grieving a loss, which typically occurs after acceptance of the diagnosis. Rationalization (choice D) is creating logical explanations to justify unacceptable behaviors, which is not the case when a patient denies a terminal diagnosis.