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 female client on the mental health unit frequently asks the nurse when she can be discharged. Then, becoming more anxious, she begins to pace the hallway. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Review the current treatment plan with the client
B. Inform the healthcare provider about the client’s behaviors
C. Determine if the client has PRN medication for anxiety
D. Explore the client’s reasons for wanting to be discharged

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exploring the client’s reasons for wanting to be discharged should be the first intervention as it helps to address underlying anxieties and concerns. By understanding the client's motivations, the nurse can provide appropriate support and interventions. It can also reduce distress and improve the therapeutic relationship. Reviewing the treatment plan (Choice A) may be important but addressing the immediate distress takes precedence. Informing the healthcare provider (Choice B) can be considered later if necessary. Determining if the client has PRN medication (Choice C) is relevant, but exploring the underlying reasons for the desire to be discharged is more beneficial in this situation.

3. During a well-child check-up, what respiratory assessment finding should the nurse anticipate in a 3-year-old?

A. A resting respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute
B. Bronchovesicular breath sounds in the peripheral lung fields
C. Retractions in the intercostal spaces with each inspiration
D. High-pitched whistling sounds over the bronchi

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A resting respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute is within the expected range for a 3-year-old child. This is considered normal in this age group as their respiratory rate is generally higher compared to adults. Bronchovesicular breath sounds in the peripheral lung fields are not an expected finding in a 3-year-old. Retractions in the intercostal spaces with each inspiration indicate increased work of breathing and are abnormal. High-pitched whistling sounds over the bronchi are characteristic of wheezing, which is not typically expected in a healthy 3-year-old during a routine check-up.

4. The nurse provides discharge teaching to a client who was recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). After receiving the instructions, the client expresses understanding about when, how, and why to take his prescribed medications at home. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Review the purpose of medications prescribed for the client to take home with him
B. Provide the client with a printed list of medications and a schedule for administration
C. Send a list of medications taken while hospitalized to the client’s healthcare provider
D. Offer to consult with the pharmacist about resources for reduced-price medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing the client with a printed list of medications and a schedule for administration is crucial to ensure adherence and understanding of the medication regimen at home. This intervention helps the client follow the prescribed treatment plan accurately. Choice A is not as essential since the client already understands when, how, and why to take the medications. Choice C is not a priority at this point as the client needs information for home medication management. Choice D, while helpful, is not the most important intervention compared to providing a clear list and schedule for medication administration.

5. When preparing the client for a thoracentesis, which action is essential for the nurse to take?

A. Encourage the client to cough during the procedure
B. Ask the client to void prior to the procedure
C. Have the client lie in the prone position
D. Determine if chest x-rays have been completed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The essential action for the nurse to take when preparing a client for a thoracentesis is to ask the client to void prior to the procedure. This step is crucial as it helps prevent discomfort and reduces the risk of accidental injury. Encouraging the client to cough during the procedure (Choice A) is inappropriate as it can affect the accuracy of the thoracentesis. Having the client lie in the prone position (Choice C) is incorrect; the procedure is typically performed with the client sitting upright or slightly leaning forward. While determining if chest x-rays have been completed (Choice D) is important, ensuring the client has emptied their bladder is more critical for their comfort and safety during the procedure.