A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. The nurse should:
a. Allow 5 minutes for him to relax and rest before checking his vital signs.
b. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings because of his recent exercise.
c. Immediately monitor his vital signs on his arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences.
d. Check his blood pressure in the supine position, which will provide a more accurate reading and will allow him to relax at the same time.
ANS: A
A comfortable, relaxed person yields a valid blood pressure. Many people are anxious at the beginning of an examination; the nurse should allow at least a 5-minute rest period before measuring blood pressure.
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