General guidelines for palpating peripheral pulses include
a. positioning the patient in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated 90°.
b. counting the pulse for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2.
c. palpating the pulses on both sides of the patient's body simultaneously, with the exception of the carotid pulse.
d. palpating with the finger pads of all five fingers.
C
General guidelines for palpating peripheral pulses include palpating the pulses on both sides of the patient's body simultaneously, with the exception of the carotid pulse. The carotid pulses should not be palpated together because excessive stimulation can elicit a vagal response and slow down the heart. Palpating both carotid pulses at the same time could also cut off circulation to the patient's head and brain. The arterial pulse examination is best facilitated with the patient in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated at 30° to 45°. Palpate the pulses with the pads of the index and middle fingers. The pulses should be counted for 60 seconds or 1 full minute.
You might also like to view...
A father is frustrated that his child frequently disobeys well-established rules and then attempts to excuse the action by stating "Well I just thought . . . ."
The father asks for guidance with discipline. What information is most appropriate for the nurse to provide? A. Ensure the child knows the rules. B. Habitual rule breaking is problematic. C. This is a normal developmental stage. D. Time-outs are ineffective for lying.
A client with a nonproductive cough has been prescribed dextromethorphan HBr LiquiCaps. What instructions should the nurse provide the client to promote an optimal response to therapy?
A) Take the drug with a glass of milk. B) Swallow the whole tablet and do not chew it. C) Dissolve the tablet in water and take the drug. D) Take the drug on an empty stomach.
A client recently started on steroids has been reading about the medication and asks the nurse: "The book says I could have hirsutism as a side effect. How will I know if this happens?" The nurse explains:
A) "You will notice a pinpoint red rash on your chest." B) "Your hair will start to come out in clumps." C) "You will notice excess facial and body hair." D) "Your breasts will become enlarged and swollen."
A client asks the nurse if it is possible to grow new skin, and the nurse's response is based upon knowledge that:
a. Even if new skin growth is required, the melanocytes do not regenerate. b. The avascular epidermis sheds slowly and is replaced completely every 4 weeks. c. The outer layer of skin remains the same over the lifetime except for repairing injuries. d. Epidermal regeneration is impossible because it is avascular.