HESI RN Med surg exam 3

HESI RN Med surg exam 3

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Question 1: View The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible hyperthyroidism. The client describes weakness, nervousness, a racing heartbeat, and recent weight loss of 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Which action should the nurse implement first?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Pacing the client's care to provide periods of rest is important for managing fatigue and preventing overexertion. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation. Monitoring vital signs is crucial to assess the client's current condition and detect any immediate complications.

Choice B reason: Making arrangements for radioactive iodine therapy is a treatment option for hyperthyroidism. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to assess the client's condition and stabilize any immediate issues before considering long-term treatment options.

Choice C reason: Administering a beta-adrenergic blocking agent can help manage symptoms such as a racing heartbeat and nervousness. While this may be part of the treatment plan, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Monitoring vital signs is essential to determine the appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: Monitoring the client's vital signs frequently is the first action the nurse should take. This helps assess the client's current condition, detect any immediate complications, and guide further interventions. It is crucial to ensure the client's stability before implementing other care measures.


Question 2: View The nurse administers galantamine hydrobromide to a client with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Which nursing problem addresses its therapeutic use?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Fluid volume excess is not related to the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication is used to improve cognitive function in clients with Alzheimer's disease, which is more closely associated with disturbed thought processes.

Choice B reason: Disturbed thought processes are directly related to the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication helps enhance cognitive function by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is crucial for memory and thinking. Clients with Alzheimer's disease often experience cognitive decline, and this medication aims to mitigate those symptoms.

Choice C reason: Altered breathing pattern is not addressed by the therapeutic use of galantamine hydrobromide. This medication is specifically used to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, rather than respiratory issues.


Question 3: View A client in the operating room received succinylcholine. The client is experiencing muscle rigidity and has an extremely high temperature. Which action should the nurse implement?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Calling the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) nurse to prepare for prolonged ventilatory support is important in certain situations. However, in this case, the client's immediate concern is the extremely high temperature, which needs to be addressed urgently.

Choice B reason: Determining if prescribed antibiotics were administered preoperatively is a standard procedure, but it is not relevant to the acute situation of muscle rigidity and extremely high temperature caused by succinylcholine. The nurse should focus on immediate cooling measures.

Choice C reason: Holding a prescription for dantrolene until the fever is reduced is not appropriate. Dantrolene is actually used to treat malignant hyperthermia, which is characterized by muscle rigidity and a high temperature. It should be administered immediately in such cases.

Choice D reason: Preparing ice packs for placement in the client's axillary area is a direct and immediate action to help reduce the client's extremely high temperature. Cooling measures are crucial to manage hyperthermia and prevent further complications.


Question 4: View A client with cholelithiasis is admitted with jaundice due to obstruction of the common bile duct. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Clay-coloured stool is a symptom of bile duct obstruction. It indicates that bile is not reaching the intestines to help digest food. While this is important to note, it is not the most urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: A distended, hard, and rigid abdomen is a sign of possible peritonitis or other severe abdominal complications. This finding indicates a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention by the healthcare provider. Prompt reporting is essential to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Choice C reason: Bile-stained emesis suggests that bile is being regurgitated, which is indicative of a blocked or compromised bile duct. However, this finding does not require as urgent reporting as a rigid abdomen, which could indicate a more serious condition.

Choice D reason: Radiating, sharp pain in the right shoulder is often referred pain from gallbladder issues. While this symptom is significant and should be monitored, it does not take precedence over the urgent finding of a distended and rigid abdomen that might indicate a severe complication.


Question 5: View When assessing a client on the first postoperative day following abdominal surgery, the nurse does not hear any bowel sounds. In response to this finding, which action should the nurse implement?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Withholding further opioid analgesics might be considered if the lack of bowel sounds is due to opioid-induced ileus. However, this is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse should first document the finding and continue to assess the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for a laxative might be appropriate if the client is experiencing constipation. However, administering a laxative without further assessment and documentation of the bowel sounds could lead to complications. The nurse should document the finding first and then collaborate with the healthcare provider for further interventions.

Choice C reason: Documenting the assessment finding is the most appropriate initial action. This ensures that the lack of bowel sounds is recorded in the client's medical record, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and communication with the healthcare team. Proper documentation also helps in tracking changes in the client's condition and making informed decisions about subsequent care.

Choice D reason: Preparing to insert a nasogastric tube might be necessary if the client develops symptoms of bowel obstruction or other complications. However, this action should follow the documentation and further assessment of the client's condition. The nurse should document the finding first to provide a basis for any further interventions.


Question 6: View A male client comes to the clinic with concerns of erectile dysfunction (ED). Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Frequency of sexual activity can provide useful information about the client's sexual health and habits, but it is not the most critical information needed to address erectile dysfunction. The nurse needs to determine if there are any immediate factors contributing to ED, such as medication side effects.

Choice B reason: Environmental toxin exposure can have long-term health effects, including on sexual function. However, it is not the most urgent factor to consider when evaluating a client with erectile dysfunction. Immediate information about medications and medical history is more pertinent.

Choice C reason: Familial history of diabetes is important because diabetes can affect erectile function due to vascular and neurological complications. Yet, while this background information is useful, it is not the most immediate concern compared to potential medication side effects.

Choice D reason: The current medication regimen is the most important information for the nurse to obtain. Many medications can contribute to erectile dysfunction as a side effect. By identifying the medications the client is taking, the nurse can determine if ED might be a side effect and discuss possible adjustments or alternatives with the healthcare provider.


Question 7: View The home health nurse visits a client who has a serum sodium level of 123 me/L (123 mmol/L). To explore possible etiologist for this value, what question should the nurse ask the client?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Asking about the consumption of milk or dairy products is not directly related to the client's serum sodium level. Dairy intake does not typically cause significant changes in sodium levels. Therefore, this question would not help in identifying the cause of the hyponatremia.

Choice B reason: This question is most relevant because excessive water or ice chip intake can lead to dilutional hyponatremia. Ingestion of large amounts of water can dilute the sodium concentration in the blood, resulting in a low serum sodium level. Identifying excessive fluid intake is critical in determining if this is the cause of the client's hyponatremia.

Choice C reason: Inquiring about the number of fresh vegetables in the client's diet is more related to overall nutrition rather than directly linked to sodium levels. While vegetables can be part of a healthy diet, this question would not specifically address the cause of a low serum sodium level.

Choice D reason: The frequency of consuming processed or canned foods, which are typically high in sodium, would generally be expected to increase serum sodium levels rather than decrease them. Therefore, this question does not directly address the issue of a low sodium level.


Question 8: View A client with acute abdominal pain, persistent nausea, and projectile vomiting is admitted to the hospital for observation. Acetaminophen is administered as prescribed for an oral temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) and an IV infusion of normal saline is initiated at 250 ml/hour. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Petechial haemorrhage under the client's eyes can be a sign of various conditions, including increased intrathoracic pressure from vomiting. However, it is not the most urgent finding in this scenario. The nurse should focus on the finding that indicates a potential life-threatening condition.

Choice B reason: Right lower abdomen rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, which can be caused by appendicitis or other serious abdominal conditions. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate medical attention, as it indicates inflammation of the peritoneum and potential risk of perforation or severe infection.

Choice C reason: Severe headache with photosensitivity can be associated with conditions such as meningitis or migraines. While concerning, it does not take precedence over the abdominal signs that indicate a potentially life-threatening condition like peritonitis.

Choice D reason: Dark green coloured emesis can be indicative of bile or upper gastrointestinal content, which might be seen in conditions such as intestinal obstruction or vomiting. However, it is not as urgent as the finding of rebound tenderness, which suggests an acute and severe abdominal condition that needs immediate intervention.


Question 9: View The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who has cystitis. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Using a feminine hygiene spray can irritate the urethra and worsen the symptoms of cystitis. It is generally recommended to avoid products that contain chemicals and fragrances, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and lead to further infections.

Choice B reason: Limiting cranberry juice intake is not a typical recommendation for clients with cystitis. In fact, cranberry juice is often suggested as it contains compounds that can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

Choice C reason: Wearing cotton underwear is recommended because it is breathable and helps keep the genital area dry. This can reduce the risk of bacterial growth and infection, making it an important measure in managing and preventing cystitis.

Choice D reason: Taking daily tub baths can increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, especially if the water is not clean. It is generally advised to take showers instead of tub baths to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.


Question 10: View The nurse is caring for an older adult client with Alzheimer's disease who becomes increasingly agitated and is speaking to someone who is not visible to the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Reducing the client's interaction with others during the day can potentially isolate the client and exacerbate feelings of agitation and confusion. Social interaction is important for cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being, even for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

Choice B reason: Awaking the client for reality checks every 4 hours at night can disrupt the client's sleep pattern, leading to increased agitation and confusion. Proper rest is crucial for clients with Alzheimer's disease to help manage their symptoms effectively.

Choice C reason: Clarifying reality with the client about delusional thoughts can sometimes increase agitation if not done sensitively. Clients with Alzheimer's disease may not respond well to direct confrontation about their delusions. It is often more effective to use techniques that do not directly challenge their perception of reality.

Choice D reason: Using distraction and therapeutic communication skills is the best approach. This strategy helps redirect the client's attention to a different, more calming activity, which can reduce agitation. Therapeutic communication involves understanding and validating the client's feelings while gently guiding them towards a more positive state. This approach respects the client's experience and provides support without escalating their agitation.


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