a client with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath which laboratory value should be closely monitored
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. A client with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which laboratory value should be closely monitored?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: In a client with chronic heart failure, serum potassium levels should be closely monitored to assess for hyperkalemia, which can worsen heart failure. Monitoring serum sodium levels is not the priority in this case. Serum creatinine level monitoring is more related to kidney function than heart failure. Hemoglobin levels are important but not the primary concern when assessing heart failure exacerbation.

2. During a home visit, the nurse observed an elderly client with diabetes slip and fall. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take after an elderly client with diabetes slips and falls is to check the client for lacerations or fractures. This is crucial to assess for any immediate physical injuries that may need immediate attention. Giving orange juice or assessing the blood sugar level may be important later but checking for injuries takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Calling 911 should be considered if there are severe injuries or if the client is in distress, but checking for lacerations or fractures is the priority at the moment.

3. Progressive kyphoscoliosis leading to respiratory distress is evident in a client with muscular dystrophy. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Evidence of hypoventilation. In a client with muscular dystrophy and progressive kyphoscoliosis, hypoventilation indicates respiratory muscle weakness and can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while extremity muscle weakness, bilateral eyelid drooping, and inability to swallow pills are concerning symptoms in muscular dystrophy, evidence of hypoventilation poses a more immediate threat to the client's respiratory status.

4. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 200/110 mmHg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample. In a client with severe hypertension, it is essential to assess for metabolic or respiratory acidosis which can be done through an ABG sample. Administering antihypertensive medication without assessing the acid-base status of the client can lead to potential complications. Monitoring urine output and administering oxygen therapy are important interventions but are not the priority in this situation where the focus should be on assessing acidosis.

5. When finding a client sitting on the floor, the nurse calls for help from the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task should the nurse ask the UAP to do?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct task for the nurse to ask the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to do in this situation is to "Get a blood pressure cuff." This is important because assessing the client's vital signs, including blood pressure, is crucial after a fall to ensure there are no underlying issues like hypotension. Choices A and B may be important tasks for the nurse to perform as part of the assessment and care of the client. However, in this scenario, the immediate concern should be to check the client's blood pressure. Choice D is not the most urgent task at this time, as assessing the client's condition takes precedence.

Similar Questions

An older male client with a history of diabetes mellitus, chronic gout, and osteoarthritis comes to the clinic with a bag of medication bottles. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
The nurse is assessing a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A client with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
While performing a skin inspection for a female adult client, the nurse observes a rash that is well circumscribed, has silvery scales and plaques, and is located on the elbows and knees. These assessment findings are likely to indicate which condition?
A client with a nasogastric tube in place following gastric surgery reports nausea. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Access More Features

HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses