HESI RN
Community Health HESI 2023
1. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted with pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Nausea and vomiting.
- B. Epigastric pain radiating to the back.
- C. Temperature of 102°F (38.9°C).
- D. Mild jaundice.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with pancreatitis and a history of alcoholism. Fever in this context can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are common symptoms of pancreatitis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Epigastric pain radiating to the back (choice B) is a classic symptom of pancreatitis and should be addressed, but a fever takes precedence. Mild jaundice (choice D) may be present in pancreatitis but is not as urgent as a high temperature signaling possible infection.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease is admitted with complaints of fatigue and swelling in the lower extremities. What laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report?
- A. Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL.
- B. Hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL.
- C. Potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L.
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL suggests anemia, which commonly occurs in clients with chronic kidney disease and requires prompt intervention. Reporting this finding is crucial to address the anemic condition. Choices A, C, and D are important in the context of chronic kidney disease but do not directly relate to the symptoms of fatigue and swelling in the lower extremities described in the scenario.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure who is receiving digoxin therapy. The nurse reviews the client's lab results and notes that the serum potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement
- B. Notify the healthcare provider
- C. Hold the next dose of digoxin
- D. Increase dietary potassium intake
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In clients receiving digoxin therapy, low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, when the nurse notes a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L, it is crucial to hold the next dose of digoxin. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential to ensure appropriate interventions, such as potassium supplementation, can be implemented. Administering a potassium supplement without healthcare provider guidance may lead to rapid potassium level changes and potential adverse effects. Increasing dietary potassium intake alone may not promptly address the low serum potassium level in this acute situation.
4. During a newborn assessment, which symptom would indicate respiratory distress if present in a newborn?
- A. Flaring of the nares.
- B. Shallow and irregular respirations.
- C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute.
- D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the newborn is working hard to breathe, and immediate attention should be given to assess and address the respiratory status of the infant.
5. When caring for a client with a post right thoracotomy who has undergone an upper lobectomy, the nurse focuses on pain management to promote
- A. Relaxation and sleep
- B. Deep breathing and coughing
- C. Incisional healing
- D. Range of motion exercises
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Effective pain management encourages deep breathing and coughing, which are crucial for preventing complications after thoracic surgery. These actions help prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis, promote lung expansion, and improve oxygenation. While relaxation and sleep are important for recovery, the priority after a thoracotomy and lobectomy is to prevent respiratory issues. Incisional healing is important but not the primary focus immediately post-surgery. Range of motion exercises are not directly related to promoting recovery after thoracic surgery.