a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe abdominal pain which assessment finding requires immediate intervention
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

Community Health HESI 2023

1. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sudden, severe abdominal pain can indicate a perforated ulcer, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Epigastric tenderness (choice A) may be expected in a client with peptic ulcer disease but does not necessarily require immediate intervention. Hypoactive bowel sounds (choice B) are concerning but not as urgent as sudden, severe abdominal pain. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice D) are more indicative of conditions like gastroenteritis rather than a perforated ulcer, making it a less critical finding compared to sudden, severe abdominal pain.

2. 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?

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.

3. An older client requiring total care resides with a family consisting of two daughters who take shifts providing care around-the-clock. During a home visit, the daughters ask the nurse about resources that are available for client care while they attend a scheduled family reunion. Which information is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to attend the reunion while ensuring the client is cared for.

4. During a prenatal class for expectant mothers, what topic should be included to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the importance of taking prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby as they provide essential nutrients required for fetal development. While handling common discomforts of pregnancy (choice B) is important for maternal well-being, it does not directly impact the health of the baby. Preparing for labor and delivery (choice C) focuses more on the delivery process rather than the overall health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. Breastfeeding techniques (choice D) are relevant postpartum, not during the prenatal period, and do not directly impact the health of the baby during pregnancy.

5. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours indicates oliguria, which is a concerning sign of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.\n\nChoice A (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL) is elevated but not the most urgent concern in this scenario. Choice B (Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L) reflects metabolic acidosis, which is expected in DKA but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg) is slightly elevated but not acutely concerning in the context of DKA.

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