HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 Related

Review HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 related questions and content

The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a male client who has chronic renal failure. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

  • A. Client reports difficulty breathing
  • B. Client reports shortness of breath when lying flat
  • C. Client reports swelling in the feet and ankles
  • D. Client reports a metallic taste in the mouth
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a client with chronic renal failure, difficulty breathing is the most critical finding to report. This symptom may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary edema, which can be life-threatening. Shortness of breath when lying flat (orthopnea) is also concerning but less urgent than difficulty breathing. Swelling in the feet and ankles (edema) is a common finding in renal failure but may not be as immediately critical as difficulty breathing. A metallic taste in the mouth is associated with uremia, a common complication of chronic renal failure, but it is not as urgent as respiratory distress.