3.List three methods that can be used to assess
the pulse by palpating or auscultating.
a.
b.
c.
4.Briefly describe how the following variables
may affect a patient’s blood pressure.
a.Pumping action of the heart:b.Blood volume:c. Viscosity of blood:d.Elasticity of vessel walls:5.Briefly define the following NANDA nursing
diagnoses for altered respirations.
a.Impaired Gas Exchange:b.Ineffective Airway Clearance:c. Ineffective Breathing Pattern:d.Inability to Sustain Spontaneous
Ventilation:6.Briefly define the following NANDA nursing
diagnoses for alterations in pulse and blood
pressure.
a.Altered Tissue Perfusion:b.Risk for Fluid Volume Imbalance:c. Fluid Volume Excess:d.Fluid Volume Deficit:e.Decreased Cardiac Output:7.Describe the use of the following equipment
to assess the pulse and blood pressure.
a.Stethoscope:b.Sphygmomanometer:APPLYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
1.Using a partner, locate the nine sites for pulse
assessment. Practice the technique for obtain-
ing radial and apical pulses. Then practice the
technique for measuring respirations and
assessing blood pressure. Why is it important
to be proficient in assessing and reporting vital
sign measurements? If you were unsure of one
of your vital sign assessments, what would
you do?
2.An obese woman in the clinic needs a large
blood pressure cuff, and one is not available.
The resident tells you, “Just use the cuff you
have.” What do you do, and why?
3.Using a mannequin in your nursing
laboratory, practice taking oral, rectal, and
axillary temperatures. Research any new
devices for taking temperature, and familiarize
yourself with their use. Why do nurses need to
be competent in using different methods and
devices?REFLECTIVE PRACTICE USING CRITICAL
THINKING SKILLS
Use the following expanded scenario from
Chapter 24 in your textbook to answer the
questions below.
Scenario:Noah Shoolin is a 2-year-old who is
brought to the emergency department by his
mother. His mother says he has been running
a high fever and has refused to take food
or fluids for the past 24 hours. When you
attempt to obtain a tympanic temperature,
the child begins to scream uncontrollably,
crying and pushing the device away from
his ear.140 UNIT VI ACTIONS BASIC TO NURSING CARE
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