the nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism which assessment finding requires immediate intervention
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI RN

Community Health HESI 2023 Quizlet

1. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week in a client with hyperthyroidism is concerning as it may indicate severe hypermetabolism, leading to potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other metabolic disturbances. Rapid weight loss in hyperthyroidism indicates an accelerated metabolic rate and increased energy expenditure, which can be detrimental to the client's health. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 100 beats per minute, blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute) are commonly seen in clients with hyperthyroidism and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are significantly outside the normal range or causing distress to the client.

2. The public health nurse is called to investigate a report of several cases of chickenpox at a daycare center. The daycare worker states that five children have been sent home over the past two weeks with fever and itchy blisters. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Validating that the children sent home did develop chickenpox is the most crucial initial step for the nurse. This intervention ensures that the appropriate public health measures are implemented for the containment of chickenpox. Reporting a viral endemic or confirming the number of children with symptoms may be important but are secondary to confirming the diagnosis. Determining the number of people exposed comes after confirming the diagnosis to assess the extent of the outbreak and implement necessary control measures.

3. A community health nurse is developing a program to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Comprehensive sex education has been shown to be more effective in reducing teen pregnancy rates compared to abstinence-only education. Providing comprehensive sex education equips teens with knowledge about safe sex practices, contraception methods, and healthy relationships, which empowers them to make informed decisions. Distributing free condoms and providing access to reproductive health services are important components, but without proper education, teens may not understand how to use these resources effectively. Promoting abstinence-only education limits information and may not address the reality of teen sexual behavior, potentially leading to higher pregnancy rates.

4. A client with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absence of breath sounds. This finding can indicate a pneumothorax or severe asthma exacerbation, both of which require immediate intervention to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent further complications. Increased respiratory rate (choice A) is common in asthma exacerbations but may not always necessitate immediate intervention. Expiratory wheezes (choice C) are typical in asthma and may not always indicate a critical condition. A productive cough with green sputum (choice D) suggests a possible respiratory infection but does not warrant immediate intervention as much as the absence of breath sounds.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL. An elevated serum ammonia level indicates hepatic dysfunction and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges or slightly abnormal values for clients with cirrhosis and do not pose an immediate threat. Serum albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, prothrombin time may reflect liver synthetic function, and hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors but do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

Similar Questions

The nurse is caring for a client with Addison's disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly?
The healthcare provider is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which finding requires immediate intervention?
The nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A client is receiving atenolol (Tenormin) 25 mg PO after a myocardial infarction. The nurse determines the client's apical pulse is 65 beats per minute. What action should the nurse take next?

Access More Features

HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses