the nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which assessment finding would be most concerning
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fever in a client with rheumatoid arthritis can indicate an underlying infection or a more serious systemic involvement, such as vasculitis or inflammation of internal organs. These conditions can lead to serious complications and require immediate medical attention. Joint deformities and morning stiffness are common manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis itself and may not be indicative of an acute issue. Weight loss can be seen in chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis but is not as concerning as fever, which suggests an acute process requiring prompt evaluation and intervention.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to assess a patient for orthostatic hypotension. Which piece of equipment will the professional obtain to assess for this condition?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To assess for orthostatic hypotension, a healthcare professional needs to obtain a blood pressure cuff. Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in blood pressure greater than 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure or 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure when moving from lying down to a standing position. A thermometer (Choice A) is used to measure body temperature and is not directly related to assessing orthostatic hypotension. Elastic stockings (Choice B) are used for preventing deep vein thrombosis and improving circulation in the lower extremities, not for assessing orthostatic hypotension. Sequential compression devices (Choice D) are mechanical pumps that are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and are not specifically used for assessing orthostatic hypotension.

3. A client scheduled for arthroplasty expresses concern about the risk of acquiring an infection from a blood transfusion. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to make to the client is to 'Donate autologous blood before the surgery.' Autologous blood donation involves collecting and storing the client's own blood for potential use during surgery, which significantly reduces the risk of transfusion-related infections. This option directly addresses the client's concern about infection risk. Requesting a specific blood type from a donor (Choice B) is not as effective in reducing infection risk compared to autologous blood donation. Using blood from a family member (Choice C) carries the risk of transfusion reactions and infections due to compatibility issues. Accepting allogeneic blood without concerns (Choice D) does not address the client's specific concern about infection risk and is not the most appropriate option in this situation.

4. When moving a patient up in bed using a drawsheet with the help of another nurse, in which order will the nurses perform the steps, starting with the first one?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When moving a patient up in bed with a drawsheet and the assistance of another nurse, it is important to have one nurse positioned at each side of the bed initially. This allows for proper coordination and support during the patient movement. Placing the drawsheet under the patient from shoulder to thigh, grasping the drawsheet firmly near the patient, and moving the patient and drawsheet to the desired position follow after the nurses are positioned on each side of the bed. The correct sequence ensures a safe and coordinated approach to repositioning the patient in bed.

5. While measuring a client’s vital signs, the nurse notices an irregularity in the heart rate. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate nursing action when an irregularity in the heart rate is observed is to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute and describe the rhythm in the chart. This approach helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the irregularities present. Measuring the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority when an irregular heart rate is noted. Performing an ECG (Choice C) may be necessary but is a more advanced intervention that should follow the initial assessment. Rechecking the heart rate after 5 minutes (Choice D) may delay potential interventions for addressing the irregularity, making it less appropriate than the immediate assessment and documentation of the pulse rhythm.

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