HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which client should the nurse ask to come in that day to be seen by the health care provider?

1. I started my period and now my urine has turned bright red.

2. I am a diabetic and today I've been going to the bathroom every hour.

3. I was started on medicine yesterday for a urine infection. My lower belly hurts when I go to the bathroom.

4. I went to the bathroom and my urine looked very red and it didn't hurt when I went.

The correct answer is: I went to the bathroom and my urine looked very red and it didn't hurt when I went.

In this scenario, the most concerning symptom is the bright red urine without any accompanying pain during urination. This finding could indicate potential complications such as hematuria (blood in the urine), which may suggest a serious underlying condition such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or even a more grave condition like bladder or kidney issues. Although the other clients have legitimate concerns, the fact that the individual experiencing bright red urine reports no pain increases the urgency. It is essential to evaluate why the urine appears red, as this can be a sign of significant medical issues, necessitating immediate assessment by a healthcare provider. The presence of blood in the urine requires prompt attention to assess the cause and establish a treatment plan, as it could quickly escalate to a more serious condition if left unaddressed. In comparison, other options describe discomfort during urination or frequent urination associated with diabetes but do not indicate the immediate urgency for evaluation like the bright red urine does. Thus, this client's situation warrants the promptest follow-up.