the nurse is evaluating the health status of an older client which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI RN CAT Exit Exam

1. The nurse is evaluating the health status of an older client. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain in the lower back is a significant finding in an older client as it can indicate underlying issues such as kidney problems, spinal issues, or even aortic aneurysm. These conditions can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Decreased urine output (choice A) could indicate dehydration or kidney issues but is not as urgent as lower back pain. Loss of appetite (choice B) may be concerning but is not as critical as the potential life-threatening conditions associated with lower back pain. A persistent cough (choice D) is important to assess but is generally not as urgent as the potential serious implications of lower back pain in an older client.

2. The nurse is triaging clients from a train wreck. A client has multiple open wounds, a blood pressure of 90/56, and a pulse of 112 beats/minute. Which triage tag color should the nurse place on this client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Red. The client's vital signs indicate critical condition with a high pulse and low blood pressure, suggesting shock. A red tag is used to identify patients who require immediate attention and should be prioritized for treatment. Choice A, Black, is incorrect as it is typically used for deceased or expectant clients. Choice B, Yellow, is used for clients with non-life-threatening injuries who require medical care but can wait. Choice C, Green, is for clients with minor injuries who can wait the longest for treatment. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's condition warrants a red triage tag for immediate attention.

3. The nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the radiated area dry and clean is crucial to prevent skin irritation and infection. Radiation therapy can cause skin changes, making it susceptible to irritation and infection. Using sunscreen (Choice A) is not usually recommended on the radiated area as it can further irritate the skin. Applying lotion (Choice B) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and cause skin breakdown. While encouraging exercise (Choice D) is important, keeping the area dry and clean takes precedence to prevent complications during radiation therapy.

4. In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client's B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering the scheduled dose of furosemide is appropriate when a client with heart failure has an elevated BNP level. BNP elevation indicates fluid overload, and furosemide is a diuretic that helps in reducing excess fluid. Measuring the client's oxygen saturation (Choice A) is not directly related to addressing fluid overload. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice B) is not indicated for managing elevated BNP levels. Holding the furosemide dose (Choice D) would delay appropriate treatment for fluid overload.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client in the late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ineffective breathing pattern is the highest priority for a client in the late stage of ALS due to the significant risk of respiratory complications. As ALS progresses, the client may experience respiratory muscle weakness, leading to ineffective breathing patterns and potential respiratory failure. Addressing breathing difficulties promptly is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications. While impaired physical mobility, impaired skin integrity, and risk for infection are also important concerns in ALS care, they are secondary to addressing the client's breathing difficulties, which take precedence to maintain physiological stability and prevent life-threatening consequences.

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