When obtaining a patient's blood pressure using an automatic monitoring device, the nurse notices that the reading is not consistent with previous readings for that patient. What is the priority action by the nurse?
a. Replace the device with a different device and recheck the blood pressure.
b. Take a manual blood pressure measurement in the other arm.
c. Increase the IV drip rate.
d. Decrease the IV drip rate.
B
Feedback
A A second device may also be accurate, and for expediency, a manual blood pressure measurement should be made.
B When a blood pressure reading is inconsistent with the patient's previous read-ings, a manual blood pressure reading should be obtained, because the device may be defective.
C Inappropriate until the blood pressure is verified manually.
D Inappropriate until the blood pressure is verified manually.
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