The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patient’s noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse?

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Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient with an arterial monitoring system. The nurse assesses the patient’s noninvasive cuff blood pressure to be 70/40 mm Hg. The arterial blood pressure measurement via an intraarterial catheter in the same arm is assessed by the nurse to be 108/70 mm Hg. What is the best action by the nurse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C - Assess the cuff for proper arm size): 1. The cuff blood pressure (70/40 mm Hg) is significantly lower than the arterial blood pressure (108/70 mm Hg). 2. Discrepancy suggests cuff size mismatch, leading to inaccurate readings. 3. Assessing cuff size ensures accurate blood pressure measurement. 4. Ensures appropriate interventions based on accurate readings. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Rapid response not warranted based solely on blood pressure discrepancy. B: Trendelenburg position not indicated for cuff size issue. D: Normal saline bolus not appropriate without accurate blood pressure measurement.

Question 2 of 5

Which of the following situations may result in a low cardiac output and low cardiac index? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Certainly. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, can lead to low cardiac output and cardiac index because the heart has less blood to pump, resulting in reduced circulation. Exercise typically increases cardiac output to meet increased demand. Myocardial infarction may reduce cardiac output temporarily, but not consistently. Shock, a condition where the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, can lead to low cardiac output, making it a possible cause.

Question 3 of 5

A normal urine output is considered to be

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (1 to 2 L/day) because the average adult typically produces 1 to 2 liters of urine per day. This range is considered normal for maintaining proper hydration and eliminating waste products. Choice A (80 to 125 mL/min) is incorrect as it represents the rate of urine production per minute, which is not commonly used to measure daily urine output. Choice B (180 L/day) is unrealistic and far exceeds the normal range for urine output. Choice C (80 mL/min) is too low for daily urine output and would not be sufficient for adequate waste elimination.

Question 4 of 5

Acute kidney injury from postrenal etiology is caused by

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because postrenal acute kidney injury is caused by obstruction of urine flow, leading to pressure build-up in the kidneys and subsequent damage. Obstructions can be due to conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they relate to pre-renal and intrinsic renal causes of acute kidney injury, not specifically postrenal obstruction. B refers to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, C to low volume or poor heart function affecting kidney perfusion, and D to direct damage to kidney tissue, which do not characterize postrenal etiology.

Question 5 of 5

The patient’s serum creatinine level is 0.7 mg/dL. The expected BUN level should be

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). The normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio is approximately 10:1. With a serum creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL, the expected BUN level should be around 7 to 14 mg/dL. Therefore, choice C (10 to 20 mg/dL) falls within this expected range. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical BUN-to-creatinine ratio and would indicate abnormal kidney function.

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