During a cardiovascular assessment, the nurse palpates the carotid pulse. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action after palpating the carotid pulse is to auscultate for bruits. Bruits are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, which may indicate vascular disease. Auscultating for bruits specifically at the carotid arteries is important in assessing for potential arterial blockages that can lead to serious complications like stroke. Palpating the femoral pulse (Choice A) is not the next immediate step in a cardiovascular assessment after assessing the carotid pulse. Comparing the pulse rate with the apical pulse (Choice C) is important but not the immediate action required after palpating the carotid pulse. Palpating the radial pulse (Choice D) is also an important part of the assessment, but in this scenario, auscultating for bruits takes precedence for further evaluation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The split S2 sound is typically heard during inspiration and is considered a normal finding. It occurs due to a slight delay in the closure of the aortic valve compared to the pulmonic valve. This physiological delay results in the splitting of the S2 heart sound. Aortic stenosis (B), heart failure (C), and pulmonary embolism (D) are associated with different abnormal cardiovascular conditions that would present with other characteristic auscultatory findings, such as murmurs, gallops, or wheezing, respectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vital signs are fundamental indicators used by healthcare professionals to assess the basic physiological functions of the body, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. An indication of basic body functioning, accurately captures this concept because vital signs reflect how well the body is maintaining homeostasis and performing essential tasks like circulation and oxygenation. Signs and symptoms of a disease, is incorrect because vital signs are not exclusively tied to illness; they are monitored in healthy individuals too. A part of human composition, is vague and does not specify function, while Physiology and anatomy, refers to broader scientific fields rather than the specific measurements vital signs represent. Thus, B is the most precise and appropriate definition, aligning with clinical practice where vital signs serve as a baseline for evaluating health status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: produced as a byproduct of metabolic activities that generate energy for cellular functions, is correct as metabolism (e.g., in liver, muscles) generates heat via ATP production. No other choices are provided, but this aligns with physiology: cellular respiration converts nutrients into energy, releasing heat to maintain 98.6°F. Shivering or exercise boosts this, but basal metabolism is primary. The hypothalamus regulates this heat against losses (e.g., radiation). Unlike external sources, internal metabolic heat is constant, supporting homeostasis. Nursing recognizes this in fever (increased metabolism) or hypothermia (decreased). Thus, A is accurate, reflecting the bodys fundamental heat production mechanism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The tympanic method measures temperature via the ear canal, requiring specific precautions. An earache contraindicates this method because pain suggests inflammation or infection, risking inaccurate readings or discomfort. Earwax can affect accuracy but isn't an absolute contraindication if minimal. An ear infection is similar to an earache but less specific here; A encompasses it. Taking the temperature in the downward ear after sleeping may skew results due to trapped heat. Choice A is correct as it prioritizes patient comfort and accuracy, reflecting clinical guidelines to avoid tympanic measurement in painful or inflamed ears, ensuring reliable vital sign assessment.