a nurse working on an endocrine unit should see which client first

HESI LPN

HESI CAT Exam 2022

1. A nurse working on an endocrine unit should see which client first?

A. An adolescent male with diabetes who is arguing about his insulin dose.
B. An older client with Addison’s disease whose current blood sugar level is 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l).
C. An adult with a blood sugar of 384mg/dl (21.31mmol/l) and urine output of 350 ml in the last hour.
D. A client taking corticosteroids who has become disoriented in the last two hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with Addison’s disease and a blood sugar level of 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l) is experiencing hypoglycemia, which can progress to adrenal crisis. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D, although concerning, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the client with Addison’s disease and hypoglycemia. The adolescent arguing about his insulin dose can be addressed after stabilizing the client with Addison’s disease. The adult with high blood sugar and increased urine output may have hyperglycemia but is not in immediate danger. The client taking corticosteroids who is disoriented needs evaluation but is not in an acute life-threatening condition as the client with hypoglycemia.

2. A newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to a home healthcare team along with two experienced UAPs. Which intervention should the home health nurse implement to ensure adequate care for all clients?

A. Ask the most experienced UAP on the team to partner with the newly hired UAP.
B. Evaluate the newly hired UAP’s level of competency by observing the UAP deliver care.
C. Review the UAP’s skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP.
D. Assign the newly hired UAP to clients who require the least complex level of care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evaluating the newly hired UAP’s competency by observing them deliver care is the most effective intervention to ensure they can provide safe and effective care. This approach directly assesses the UAP's actual performance and allows for immediate feedback. Option A, asking the most experienced UAP to partner with the newly hired one, may not guarantee that the new UAP is competent. Option C, reviewing the UAP’s skills checklist and experience with the hiring person, does not provide a direct assessment of the UAP's current abilities. Option D, assigning the new UAP to less complex cases, does not address the need to evaluate their competency directly.

3. A female client with borderline personality disorder is being discharged today. During morning rounds, the client complains about the aloofness of the night shift nurse and expresses joy to see the nurse on duty. Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this client’s dichotomous tendency?

A. I am glad you like me. Which nurse was acting aloof to you?
B. Tomorrow I will talk to that nurse about how you were treated last night.
C. What did the night nurse do that makes you think she is aloof?
D. I am happy that you are getting better and will be able to go home.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the best response as it acknowledges the client's feelings while exploring their concerns. By asking which nurse was acting aloof, the nurse shows understanding and allows the client to express their feelings further. This response validates the client's emotions and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Choice B focuses on a future action without addressing the immediate concern at hand. Choice C seeks clarification on the night nurse's behavior, which is a good approach but lacks the personal touch of Choice A. Choice D shifts the focus away from the client's current feelings and concerns, missing the opportunity to address the dichotomous thinking displayed by the client.

4. What actions should the nurse take regarding an older adult male who had an abdominal cholecystectomy and has become increasingly confused and disoriented over the past 24 hours, found wandering into another client’s room and returned to his own room by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply)

A. Apply soft upper limb restraints and raise all four bed rails
B. Report mental status change to the healthcare provider
C. Assess the client’s breath sounds and oxygen saturation
D. Assign the UAP to re-assess the client’s risk for falls

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to report the mental status change to the healthcare provider. Confusion and disorientation post-surgery can be indicative of various factors, such as electrolyte imbalances or respiratory issues, necessitating comprehensive assessment by the healthcare team. Applying restraints and raising bed rails may not address the underlying cause of the confusion, and assigning the UAP to reassess the client's risk for falls does not directly address the cognitive changes observed.

5. A client with diabetes mellitus tells the nurse that she uses cranberry juice to help prevent urinary tract infection. What instruction should the nurse provide?

A. Ensure to drink sugar-free cranberry juice
B. Drinking cranberry juice does not prevent infection
C. Cranberries do not affect insulin levels
D. Excessive cranberry juice consumption can lead to constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Drinking cranberry juice does not prevent urinary tract infections and should not be relied upon as a preventive measure. While cranberry juice is often associated with preventing UTIs, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. Choice A is incorrect because the sugar content in cranberry juice is not the main concern when discussing its role in preventing UTIs. Choice C is incorrect as there is no significant evidence to suggest cranberries affecting insulin levels. Choice D is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of consuming cranberry juice; however, excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.