a nurse is providing oral care for a client who is unconscious which of the following actions should the nurse take
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Fundamental Practice Exam

1. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When providing oral care for an unconscious client, it is essential to place them in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure. This positioning helps prevent aspiration by allowing fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Inserting a suction catheter before brushing the teeth (Choice B) is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and increase the risk of oral tissue injury. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water (Choice C) is not sufficient for effective oral care as toothpaste helps in removing plaque and bacteria. Brushing the client's teeth while they are in a supine position (Choice D) is not safe as it increases the risk of aspiration since fluids can easily enter the airway in this position.

2. During a physical assessment, a nurse is assessing 4 adult clients. Which of the following physical assessment techniques should the nurse use?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the bladder of the BP cuff surrounds 80% of the arm. This technique is crucial for obtaining accurate blood pressure readings. Choice B is incorrect because using the BP cuff on the forearm may lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as applying the BP cuff loosely can also result in inaccurate measurements. Choice D is incorrect because using a pediatric cuff for adults with small arms would not provide accurate blood pressure readings.

3. A client is immobile due to a cast, and a nurse is assisting in the use of a fracture bedpan. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when using a fracture bedpan for an immobile client is to place the shallow end of the pan under the client's buttocks. This positioning helps in proper collection of feces without causing discomfort or injury. Encouraging the client to try to defecate for 20 minutes (Choice B) is inappropriate and unrealistic, as defecation should not be forced or timed. Keeping the bed flat (Choice C) is incorrect as elevating the head of the bed can help promote proper positioning for bedpan use. Hyperextending the client's back (Choice D) is contraindicated and can lead to discomfort and potential injury to the client.

4. When responding to a call light and finding a client on the bathroom floor, what should the nurse do FIRST?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking the client for injuries is the priority when finding them on the bathroom floor. This action ensures the client's safety as it allows for immediate assessment of any potential harm. Calling for help may be necessary, but assessing for injuries takes precedence to address any immediate threats to the client's well-being. Moving the client to a sitting position or assisting them back to bed should only be done after ensuring there are no serious injuries requiring prompt medical attention. Therefore, the correct first action is to check the client for injuries.

5. A client has been admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate. When there is excessive loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, the pH of the blood decreases, leading to metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice B) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea as it involves elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is less likely with severe diarrhea as potassium is often lost along with fluids. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not a common complication of severe diarrhea; instead, hypocalcemia may occur due to malabsorption of calcium.

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