HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone Related

Review HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone related questions and content

A client presents with severe dehydration due to prolonged vomiting. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

  • A. Encourage the client to drink clear fluids.
  • B. Assess the client's skin turgor and mucous membranes.
  • C. Monitor the client's vital signs frequently.
  • D. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client's skin turgor and mucous membranes. When a client presents with severe dehydration, assessing skin turgor (elasticity of the skin) and mucous membranes (such as checking for dryness in the mouth) is crucial in determining the extent of dehydration. Encouraging the client to drink clear fluids (Choice A) may be important but assessing dehydration severity takes precedence. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is essential but assessing dehydration status comes first. Administering an antiemetic (Choice D) addresses vomiting but does not directly assess dehydration.