HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which client is most appropriate for a nurse floated from maternity to critical care?

1. A client on a Dopamine drip with vital signs every 5 minutes.

2. A myocardial infarction patient free from pain or dysrhythmias.

3. A client with a tracheotomy experiencing respiratory distress.

4. A pacemaker patient with intermittent capture.

The correct answer is: A myocardial infarction patient free from pain or dysrhythmias.

The most appropriate client for a nurse floated from maternity to critical care is the patient who has experienced a myocardial infarction and is free from pain or dysrhythmias. This option indicates that the patient is currently stable, which aligns better with the skillset of a nurse who has experience in a less acute setting like maternity. In a critical care environment, the priority is often given to patients requiring close monitoring and immediate intervention. If a patient is stable and not exhibiting any distress, it may allow for a smoother transition for a nurse who may be more accustomed to caring for stable patients rather than those needing intensive critical care management. This situation would enable the nurse to perform assessments and provide care without the immediate pressures typically present in high-acuity patients. In contrast, the other options involve patients who are experiencing ongoing critical conditions or interventions that require advanced critical care skills. For instance, managing a patient on a dopamine drip with frequent vital signs indicates a situation that necessitates constant and attentive monitoring. Similarly, client scenarios that involve respiratory distress or issues with pacemaker function involve complexities that may exceed the familiarity and expertise of a nurse coming from a maternity background. Thus, the stability of the myocardial infarction patient makes this choice more suitable.