HESI RN
HESI Community Health
1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning effectively?
- A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
- B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
- C. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber.
- D. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber is the correct observation indicating effective functioning of the chest tube. This bubbling signifies that the suction system is working correctly and maintaining the desired negative pressure in the pleural space. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests an air leak, which is not a normal finding. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber may indicate a blockage or lack of communication between the pleural space and the water-seal, which is not ideal. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube is a normal finding, but it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of the chest tube function.
2. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with chest pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
- B. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in individuals with coronary artery disease. This finding indicates that the heart muscle may not be receiving adequate oxygen, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage or complications. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg) are within normal limits and do not suggest an acute, life-threatening condition like myocardial infarction.
3. The client with liver cirrhosis needs immediate intervention for which abnormal laboratory result?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT) of 14 seconds.
- B. Bilirubin of 1.2 mg/dL.
- C. Albumin of 4 g/dL.
- D. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An elevated ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL indicates hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that requires immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the blood due to impaired liver function, leading to cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Monitoring and lowering ammonia levels are crucial in managing hepatic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological deterioration. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, and albumin levels are important parameters in assessing liver function and overall health status in clients with liver cirrhosis, but an elevated ammonia level poses an immediate threat to neurological function and warrants prompt attention.
4. A 9-year-old is hospitalized for neutropenia and is placed in reverse isolation. The child asks the nurse, 'Why do you have to wear a gown and mask when you are in my room?' How should the nurse respond?
- A. To protect myself from your germs.
- B. To protect you because you can get an infection very easily.
- C. Until your white blood cell count increases.
- D. To keep others from getting your infection.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Reverse isolation precautions protect the client from exposure to microorganisms from others.
5. During a home health visit, the nurse notices that an older male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is wearing loose cloth slippers. The client reports that he cannot comfortably wear other shoes because his toenails get in the way. The nurse inspects the client's feet and finds long thick nails that curl down under some of the toes. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. demonstrate proper foot care to the client and family
- B. have a home health aide assist the client with hygiene weekly
- C. schedule an appointment for the client with a podiatrist
- D. trim the client's toenails gradually over several visits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist is the most appropriate action in this scenario. For a client with long thick nails that curl under the toes, professional foot care by a podiatrist is necessary to prevent complications, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus. Demonstrating proper foot care (choice A) may not address the immediate need for nail trimming. Having a home health aide assist with hygiene weekly (choice B) may not be sufficient for managing the client's toenail issue effectively. Trimming the client's toenails gradually over several visits (choice D) should be performed by a professional like a podiatrist to avoid potential complications.
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