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. A client with diabetes mellitus is admitted with an infected foot ulcer. What intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering prescribed IV antibiotics is the most crucial intervention in managing an infected foot ulcer in a client with diabetes mellitus. Antibiotics help combat the infection and prevent its spread systemically, which is vital in diabetic clients to prevent serious complications like sepsis. While obtaining a wound culture (Choice A) may provide valuable information for targeted antibiotic therapy, administering antibiotics promptly takes precedence to prevent the infection from worsening. Elevating the affected foot (Choice C) can help reduce swelling but is not as urgent as administering antibiotics. Consulting the wound care nurse (Choice D) may be beneficial for long-term wound management but does not address the immediate need to control the infection.

3. A client in heart failure (HF) presents with weakness and poor urine output. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature may indicate infection and should be treated immediately in a client with heart failure.

4. A 78-year-old client with diabetes is being taught how to care for his feet. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Soaking feet daily can lead to excessive moisture, which can increase the risk of skin breakdown or infection in diabetic clients. Choices B, C, and D are all correct statements for foot care in diabetic clients. Using a mirror for daily foot checks helps in early detection of any issues, applying lotion while avoiding the area between the toes helps keep the skin moisturized without creating a risk for fungal infections, and wearing properly fitting shoes is important to prevent pressure points and potential injuries.

5. To auscultate for a carotid bruit, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To auscultate for a carotid bruit, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the base of the neck, near the carotid artery. A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound that indicates turbulent blood flow in the carotid artery, potentially due to arterial narrowing or atherosclerosis. Placing the stethoscope above the clavicle, over the sternum, or over the trachea would not provide the nurse with the optimal location to assess for carotid artery abnormalities.

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