a client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice fatigue and a distended abdomen which laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone

1. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice, fatigue, and a distended abdomen. Which laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: In clients with cirrhosis, elevated ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a serious complication. Monitoring ammonia levels is crucial to assess for changes in mental status and initiate treatment if needed. White blood cell count (choice B) is not the most important parameter to monitor in this scenario as it does not directly relate to the complications of cirrhosis. Albumin level (choice C) and hemoglobin level (choice D) are also important in cirrhosis, but in this case, monitoring ammonia level takes precedence due to its direct association with hepatic encephalopathy.

2. The nurse instructs a client to use an incentive spirometer. The client performs a return demonstration as seen in the video. Which action should the nurse take in response to the return demonstration?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in response to the return demonstration of using an incentive spirometer is to remind the client to cough after using the device. Coughing helps clear secretions from the lungs and promotes lung expansion. Instructing the client to inhale more deeply (Choice A) is not necessary as the primary focus after using the spirometer is to clear secretions. Praising the client for correct usage (Choice C) is positive but does not address the essential step of coughing. Suggesting increasing the frequency of spirometer use (Choice D) is not the immediate action needed after the demonstration.

3. A client with type 1 diabetes reports blurry vision. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Blurry vision in clients with type 1 diabetes may indicate hyperglycemia, which requires prompt assessment of recent blood glucose levels to determine the cause and appropriate intervention. Checking the client’s hemoglobin A1C level (Choice B) is useful for assessing long-term glucose control, not for immediate management of blurry vision. Monitoring blood pressure (Choice C) is important in diabetes care but is not the most crucial assessment when blurry vision is reported. Examining the client’s feet for signs of neuropathy (Choice D) is important in diabetic foot care but is not the priority when dealing with blurry vision.

4. A client on mechanical ventilation is experiencing high-pressure alarms. What action should the nurse implement first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client's endotracheal tube for obstruction. When a client on mechanical ventilation experiences high-pressure alarms, the first action should be to check for any potential obstructions in the airway, which can trigger the alarms. Checking the oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important but not the priority when dealing with high-pressure alarms. Repositioning the client (Choice C) may be necessary later but should not be the initial action. Suctioning the client's airway (Choice D) should only be done after assessing for and addressing any obstructions in the endotracheal tube.

5. After a spider bite on the lower extremity, a client is admitted to treat an infection that is spreading up the leg. Which admission assessment findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: All of the above findings should be reported to the healthcare provider for prompt evaluation and treatment. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin indicate regional lymphatic involvement, a core body temperature of 100.5°F suggests a mild fever response, and an elevated white blood cell count indicates an ongoing infection process. These findings collectively point towards the spread of infection and require immediate attention to prevent further complications.

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