a client with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath and swelling in the legs what is the nurses priority intervention
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone

1. A client with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath and swelling in the legs. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer prescribed diuretics. Diuretics are prescribed to reduce fluid overload in clients with heart failure. By promoting urine output, diuretics help alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling. While placing the client in a supine position can help with breathing and fluid redistribution, administering diuretics takes precedence as it directly addresses fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake immediately may be necessary in some cases, but the immediate priority is to administer diuretics. Increasing the client's sodium intake would worsen fluid retention and is contraindicated in heart failure.

2. A client with anemia is prescribed iron supplements. What teaching should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Take iron supplements with vitamin C to improve absorption. Vitamin C enhances iron uptake, making it more bioavailable for the body. It is essential to avoid taking iron supplements with milk (choice B) as calcium-rich foods can hinder iron absorption. Taking iron supplements with meals (choice A) can help reduce stomach upset, but the optimal way to enhance absorption is with vitamin C. Black, tarry stools (choice C) are not a typical side effect of iron supplements and should be reported to the healthcare provider.

3. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan for a child with tetanus?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a child with tetanus is to minimize the amount of stimuli in the room. Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms and sensitivity to stimuli, so reducing stimuli like light, sound, and touch can help prevent painful spasms. While ensuring proper hydration and administering antibiotics are essential components of care, minimizing stimuli is crucial for the child's comfort and safety as it directly addresses the symptoms associated with tetanus.

4. During an assessment of a client with congestive heart failure, the nurse is most likely to hear which of the following upon auscultation of the heart?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: An S3 ventricular gallop is an abnormal heart sound commonly heard in clients with congestive heart failure. This sound is indicative of fluid overload or volume expansion in the ventricles, which is often present in heart failure. <br> Incorrect Answers: <br> B: An apical click is not typically associated with congestive heart failure. <br> C: A systolic murmur may be heard in various cardiac conditions but is not specific to congestive heart failure. <br> D: A split S2 refers to a normal heart sound caused by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves at slightly different times during inspiration, not directly related to congestive heart failure.

5. A client is recovering from a hip replacement surgery. What is the priority nursing intervention to prevent complications?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client with early ambulation. Early ambulation is a key intervention to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote circulation after hip replacement surgery. It also helps with overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications related to immobility, such as muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers. Choice A is incorrect as bed rest should be avoided to prevent complications associated with immobility. Choice C, continuous passive motion therapy, is not the priority intervention immediately post-hip replacement surgery. Choice D, administering pain medication before activity, is important but not the priority intervention to prevent complications in this case.

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