A patient has a weak peripheral pulse and cool fingers after blood loss. Which site is most appropriate for assessing the pulse rate?
Correct answer: C. Carotid artery in the neck
- A. Radial artery at the wrist
- B. Dorsalis pedis artery on the foot
- C. Carotid artery in the neck
- D. Posterior tibial artery behind the ankle
Explanation
The carotid pulse is a central pulse and is more dependable when peripheral circulation is poor. Peripheral pulses may be difficult to detect during hypovolaemia, although the nurse should assess the patient and report signs of shock promptly.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
Practise Vital Signs and Monitoring
50 free Vital Signs and Monitoring MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Fundamentals of Nursing questions like this
Fundamentals of Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Vital Signs and Monitoring questions
A patient’s temperature is 38.2°C, but the patient is alert, breathing comfortably and has no other new symptoms. What should the nurse do first?
A patient’s radial pulse feels irregular. Which method should the nurse use to obtain the most reliable rate?
A blood pressure cuff is too narrow for the patient’s upper arm. How is the reading most likely affected?
A patient’s blood pressure is 118/72 mmHg when lying down and 94/60 mmHg after standing. The patient reports dizziness. Which action is the priority?
A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 per minute is anxious but has clear speech and an oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. Which assessment is most appropriate next?
A patient’s oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, down from 98% yesterday, but the patient is comfortable and speaking normally. What should the nurse do first?