which action can the registered nurse rn who is caring for a critically ill patient with multiple iv lines delegate to an experienced licensed practic
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

Adult Health 1 HESI

1. Which task can the registered nurse (RN) caring for a critically ill patient with multiple IV lines delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An experienced LPN/LVN can monitor IV sites for signs of infection because it falls within their education, experience, and scope of practice. Administering IV antibiotics through an implantable port, adjusting infusion rates, and removing central catheters are tasks that require RN level education and scope of practice. These activities involve a higher level of assessment, critical thinking, and potential complications that are typically within the RN's domain.

2. The nurse assesses a patient who has been hospitalized for 2 days. The patient has been receiving normal saline IV at 100 mL/hr, has a nasogastric tube to low suction, and is NPO. Which assessment finding would be a priority for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority assessment finding for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider is a gradually decreasing level of consciousness (LOC). This change in LOC could indicate fluid and electrolyte disturbances, which require immediate attention to prevent complications. While the other options such as an elevated temperature, serum sodium level, and weight gain are important to note and report, they do not indicate an urgent need for intervention compared to changes in LOC which could signify serious issues that need prompt evaluation and management.

3. A patient who has small cell carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the healthcare provider about which assessment finding?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Hyponatremia is the most important finding to report in SIADH. SIADH causes water retention and a decrease in serum sodium levels. Hyponatremia can lead to confusion and other central nervous system effects and requires treatment. Adequate kidney function is indicated by a urinary output of at least 30 mL/hr. A hematocrit level of 42% is normal. Weight gain is expected due to water retention in SIADH.

4. At 01:00 on a male client's second postoperative night, the client states he is unable to sleep and plans to read until feeling sleepy. What action should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client has a plan to read until feeling sleepy, indicating an intention to sleep. Therefore, offering a PRN sedative-hypnotic (C) is unnecessary, especially since it is a stronger sleep aid. Option (D) is not needed as the client already has a plan to address his sleeplessness. Assessing the surgical dressing (B) is not relevant to the client's immediate need for sleep. Leaving the room and closing the door (A) is the appropriate action to provide a conducive environment for the client to rest.

5. The long-term care nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of protein supplements for an older resident who has a low serum total protein level. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient’s condition has improved?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The decrease in peripheral edema indicates an improvement in the patient’s protein status. Edema is caused by low oncotic pressure in individuals with low serum protein levels. Good skin turgor is an indicator of fluid balance, not protein status. A low hematocrit could be caused by poor protein intake. Blood pressure does not provide a useful clinical tool for monitoring protein status.

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