HESI RN
HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Quizlet
1. The nurse and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are providing care for a client with a nasogastric tube (NGT) when the client begins to vomit. How should the nurse manage this situation?
- A. Direct the UAP to measure the emesis while the nurse irrigates the NGT
- B. Stop the NGT feed and notify the healthcare provider
- C. Increase the NGT suction pressure
- D. Elevate the head of the bed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During vomiting in a client with an NGT, it is essential for the nurse to direct the UAP to measure the emesis to monitor the output. This helps in assessing the client's condition and response to treatment. Meanwhile, irrigating the NGT can be beneficial to relieve any obstruction that might be contributing to the vomiting. Stopping the NGT feed and notifying the healthcare provider (choice B) is important but not the immediate action needed. Increasing the NGT suction pressure (choice C) is unnecessary and can lead to complications. Elevating the head of the bed (choice D) is a general intervention to prevent aspiration but may not address the immediate issue of managing the vomiting episode and potential tube obstruction.
2. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL.
- B. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L.
- C. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L.
- D. Serum glucose 90 mg/dL.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and could indicate hypoparathyroidism, a possible complication after thyroidectomy. Low calcium levels can lead to tetany, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D fall within the normal range and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.
3. The nurse notes that a client has been receiving hydromorphone (Dilaudid) every six hours for four days. What assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?
- A. Auscultate the client's bowel sounds
- B. Observe for edema around the ankles
- C. Measure the client's capillary glucose level
- D. Count the apical and radial pulses simultaneously
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate the client's bowel sounds. Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic that can slow peristalsis and commonly cause constipation. By assessing the client's bowel sounds, the nurse can monitor for any signs of decreased bowel motility or potential constipation. Observing for edema (Choice B) is not directly related to hydromorphone administration. Measuring capillary glucose levels (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Counting the apical and radial pulses simultaneously (Choice D) is not specifically indicated in this scenario involving hydromorphone administration.
4. The parents of a 6-year-old recently diagnosed with asthma should be taught that symptoms of an acute episode of asthma are due to which physiological response?
- A. Inflammation of the mucous membrane and bronchospasm
- B. Increased mucus production and airway obstruction
- C. Hyperinflation of the lungs and alveolar collapse
- D. Bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. During an acute asthma episode, bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation occur, leading to difficulty breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Inflammation of the mucous membrane and bronchospasm (Choice A) are part of the pathophysiology of asthma but do not fully explain the symptoms during an acute episode. Increased mucus production and airway obstruction (Choice B) are also seen in asthma but are not the primary cause of acute symptoms. Hyperinflation of the lungs and alveolar collapse (Choice C) are not typical features of an acute asthma episode.
5. A female client who is admitted to the mental health unit for opiate dependency is receiving clonidine 0.1 mg PO for withdrawal symptoms. The client begins to complain of feeling nervous and tells the nurse that her bones are itching. Which finding should the nurse identify as a contraindication for administering the medication?
- A. Blood pressure 90/76 mm Hg.
- B. Heart rate of 85 bpm.
- C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute.
- D. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C).
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clonidine can lower blood pressure, so a BP of 90/76 mm Hg may indicate that it is unsafe to administer another dose. In this situation, the low blood pressure reading indicates that the client is already experiencing hypotension, which is a common side effect of clonidine. Administering more clonidine could further lower the blood pressure, leading to potential complications. The heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are within normal limits and do not serve as contraindications for administering clonidine in this scenario.
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