A student is late for his appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. How should the nurse proceed?

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.

Question

Alexandra Edinak · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  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. Verifying the blood pressure in both arms only needs to be done once, usually with the first complete physical examination, but exercise should not cause a difference in the readings between arms. Checking the blood pressure in a supine position does not provide a more accurate reading.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions