HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone related questions and content

A client with chronic heart failure is admitted with worsening dyspnea. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
  • B. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
  • C. Assess the client's lung sounds.
  • D. Reposition the client to relieve dyspnea.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a client with chronic heart failure experiencing worsening dyspnea, the priority action for the nurse is to administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula. This helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Administering a diuretic (Choice B) may be necessary but addressing oxygenation comes first. While assessing lung sounds (Choice C) is important, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in respiratory distress. Repositioning the client (Choice D) may help with comfort but does not address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation.