HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

How should a nurse prioritize care for patients with different contagious conditions?

1. Treat the youngest patients first

2. Treat based on the severity of symptoms

3. Treat patients with chronic conditions first

4. Treat patients with similar infections together

The correct answer is: Treat based on the severity of symptoms

Prioritizing care for patients with different contagious conditions requires a focus on the severity of symptoms. When patients present with contagious conditions, those exhibiting more severe symptoms are at a higher risk for complications and should receive immediate attention to stabilize their condition and prevent deterioration. This approach aligns with the principles of triage, which emphasize assessing and responding to the most critical needs first. For example, a patient experiencing severe respiratory distress or high fever associated with a contagious illness would typically be prioritized over individuals with mild or no symptoms. Treating based on symptom severity also reduces the risk of transmission in a healthcare setting, ensuring that those with more acute manifestations receive appropriate interventions sooner, which can limit the spread of the infection and improve outcomes. The other strategies, while they have their own merits, do not specifically prioritize care based on the immediate clinical needs presented by the patients. For instance, treating the youngest patients first may not address the most urgent health issues, and grouping patients with similar infections could be problematic if some are much more severely affected.