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. The healthcare professional is developing a program to educate parents on the importance of immunizations. Which topic should be prioritized?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prioritizing the benefits of immunizations is crucial in helping parents comprehend the significance of vaccines in safeguarding their children against preventable diseases. Understanding the positive impact of immunizations can alleviate concerns and misconceptions that parents may have, ultimately encouraging them to make informed decisions regarding their children's health. Discussing potential side effects (choice B) is important but should come after highlighting the benefits to avoid instilling unnecessary fear. While the immunization schedule (choice C) is essential information, it may be overwhelming if presented as the initial focus. Comforting children during vaccinations (choice D) is valuable but secondary to ensuring parents understand the benefits of immunizations.

3. 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.

4. A nurse has started a group for senior citizens in a church setting. The group decides that their first project will be to begin a program for home-bound members. Which program outcome is the best measure of the project's effectiveness?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The number of home-bound seniors visited is the best measure of the project's effectiveness as it directly reflects the reach and impact of the program. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the effectiveness of the program for home-bound seniors. Choice C is irrelevant as the average annual income of home-bound members is not a direct measure of the program's effectiveness. Choice D, calls showing interest, is not as direct a measure as the actual visits to the home-bound seniors.

5. The client with liver cirrhosis needs immediate intervention for which abnormal laboratory result?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL indicates hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that requires immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the blood due to impaired liver function, leading to cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Monitoring and lowering ammonia levels are crucial in managing hepatic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological deterioration. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, and albumin levels are important parameters in assessing liver function and overall health status in clients with liver cirrhosis, but an elevated ammonia level poses an immediate threat to neurological function and warrants prompt attention.

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