a client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea which intervention should the nurse implement first
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI Community Health

1. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a high Fowler's position first. This intervention helps improve breathing and oxygenation in clients with severe dyspnea, including those with heart failure. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and enhances lung expansion. Administering oxygen, obtaining an ECG, and administering furosemide are important interventions in the management of heart failure, but placing the client in a high Fowler's position is the priority to address the immediate need for improved breathing and oxygenation.

2. A community health nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of a recent smoking cessation program. Which outcome indicates success?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: lower relapse rate among participants. A lower relapse rate indicates that participants are successfully quitting smoking and maintaining their cessation, which is the ultimate goal of a smoking cessation program. Increased attendance at support group meetings (choice A) may demonstrate engagement but does not necessarily indicate successful smoking cessation. Similarly, higher sales of nicotine replacement products (choice C) may reflect increased product usage but not necessarily successful smoking cessation. While reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day (choice B) is a positive change, it does not guarantee successful smoking cessation or long-term abstinence.

3. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with pulmonary edema. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A productive cough with pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, indicating fluid in the lungs. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise and worsening of the condition. Peripheral edema (Choice A) is a manifestation of heart failure but is not as urgent as addressing pulmonary edema. Oxygen saturation of 88% (Choice B) is low and requires attention, but the pink, frothy sputum signifies acute respiratory distress. Jugular vein distention (Choice C) can be seen in heart failure, but the immediate concern in this scenario is addressing the pulmonary edema to ensure adequate gas exchange and oxygenation.

4. During a 2-week postoperative follow-up home visit, a female client who had gastric bypass surgery exhibits abdominal tenderness, shoulder pain, and describes feelings of malaise. Her vital signs are: T 101.8, BP 100/50, HR 104, and RR 18. Which action should the RN take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client is presenting with signs of a potential postoperative complication, such as fever, low blood pressure, and tachycardia, which could indicate sepsis or another serious issue. These symptoms require immediate hospital evaluation and management. Option B of rechecking vital signs in 30 minutes could delay crucial intervention in a potentially life-threatening situation. Option C is unsafe as the client should not drive herself due to her condition. Option D is vague and does not address the urgency of the situation.

5. When visiting a community health clinic, a client's blood pressure is measured at 146/94. What information should the nurse provide the client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to begin a low sodium diet immediately. High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. By reducing sodium intake, blood pressure can be effectively lowered. Option A, participating in an exercise program, is beneficial for overall health but may not provide immediate impact on blood pressure. Option B, obtaining blood pressure daily for 2 weeks, may not address the underlying cause or provide immediate intervention. Option C, increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, though beneficial for heart health, may not have an immediate impact on lowering blood pressure compared to reducing sodium intake.

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