a client is admitted with a large bowel obstruction what finding should the nurse report immediately
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone

1. A client is admitted with a large bowel obstruction. What finding should the nurse report immediately?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal distention with a firm, rigid abdomen is a concerning sign that may indicate perforation, which requires immediate intervention. The rigidity suggests a complication of the large bowel obstruction. Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants, option A, is a common finding in a bowel obstruction but not as alarming as a rigid abdomen. Frequent, small, liquid stools, option C, are not typical findings in a large bowel obstruction; instead, constipation is more common. Nausea and vomiting that worsens after meals, option D, are also common symptoms of a bowel obstruction but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication like a perforation.

2. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has had a stroke. Which intervention should the nurse recommend to prevent aspiration during meals?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Instructing the client to sit upright while eating is crucial to prevent aspiration in stroke clients. This position helps in safe swallowing and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. Encouraging the client to take large bites of food (Choice A) can increase the risk of choking and aspiration. Advising the client to eat quickly (Choice B) may lead to fatigue and compromise safe swallowing. Offering thin liquids (Choice C) can also increase the risk of aspiration in stroke clients, as thicker liquids are usually recommended to prevent aspiration.

3. A client's chest tube insertion site has crepitus (crackling sensation) upon palpation. What is the nurse's next step?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to measure the area of crepitus. Crepitus indicates subcutaneous emphysema, which is a serious condition requiring monitoring. Applying a pressure dressing (Choice A) could worsen the condition by trapping air under the skin. Administering an oral antihistamine (Choice B) is not indicated for crepitus. Assessing for allergies to cleaning agents (Choice C) is not the priority when dealing with crepitus and subcutaneous emphysema.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and effectiveness. The medication is typically taken in the morning before breakfast. Choice A is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with a full meal can decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because bedtime dosing may lead to insomnia. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine is a daily medication for hypothyroidism, not to be taken as needed for symptoms.

5. A client is experiencing angina at rest. Which statement indicates a good understanding of the care required?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using nitroglycerin as needed, every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses, is the appropriate management for angina at rest. This helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Choice A is incorrect because chest pain that persists at rest should be addressed immediately, not waiting for 30 minutes. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach during an angina episode. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be used during chest pain episodes, not as a preventive measure before physical activity.

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