HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone
1. A client with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding due to impaired liver function. Which laboratory result is the most important to monitor?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- D. Serum albumin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is a critical indicator of bleeding risk in clients with liver dysfunction. Impaired liver function reduces clotting factor production, leading to an increased PT, which requires close monitoring. Monitoring BUN (Choice A) is more indicative of kidney function, not clotting ability. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (Choice C) and serum albumin (Choice D) are important indicators of liver function, but they do not directly assess the client's bleeding risk.
2. A male client with cirrhosis has jaundice and pruritus. He tells the nurse that he has been soaking in hot baths at night with no relief of his discomfort. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath
- B. Advise the client to take shorter baths with less water
- C. Suggest taking antihistamines for the pruritus
- D. Encourage the client to use cooler water and apply calamine lotion after soaking
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the client's pruritus (itching) is likely exacerbated by hot baths, which can worsen the itching sensation. Using cooler water will help soothe the skin and reduce pruritus. Additionally, applying calamine lotion after soaking can provide further relief. Instructing the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath (Choice A) may not address the root cause of pruritus aggravated by hot baths. Advising the client to take shorter baths with less water (Choice B) might not be as effective in relieving the itching sensation caused by cirrhosis. Suggesting antihistamines for the pruritus (Choice C) may not directly address the impact of hot baths on the client's discomfort.
3. A client with chronic liver disease is prescribed lactulose. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Bilirubin level
- B. Serum ammonia level
- C. Serum potassium level
- D. Albumin level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to lower serum ammonia levels in clients with chronic liver disease, particularly in cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to the action or evaluation of lactulose in chronic liver disease.
4. A client with hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. What dietary recommendation should the nurse make?
- A. Encourage a diet low in carbohydrates and fats.
- B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach and kale.
- C. Increase salt intake to prevent dehydration.
- D. Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and oranges.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and oranges.' Thiazide diuretics can lead to potassium loss, so it is essential for clients to consume potassium-rich foods to maintain adequate levels. Choice A is incorrect because focusing solely on low carbohydrates and fats does not address the specific issue of potassium loss. Choice B is unrelated as vitamin K content is not a concern with thiazide diuretics. Choice C is incorrect as increasing salt intake would exacerbate hypertension and not prevent dehydration.
5. The nurse is caring for a 69-year-old client with a diagnosis of hyperglycemia. Which tasks could the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Test blood sugar every 2 hours using Accu-Chek
- B. Review signs of hyperglycemia with the family and client
- C. Administer insulin if the blood sugar is elevated
- D. Measure the client's urine output
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because measuring urine output is a task that falls within the UAP's scope of practice and does not require clinical decision-making. Choice A is incorrect because testing blood sugar using Accu-Chek involves interpreting results and possible adjustments, which require a licensed healthcare provider. Choice B is incorrect as discussing signs of hyperglycemia involves education and interpretation that should be done by a nurse. Choice C is incorrect since administering insulin is a high-risk task that necessitates precise dosing and monitoring, thus should not be delegated to UAP.
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