HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. Which assessment data indicates the need for the nurse to include the problem 'Risk for falls' in a client’s plan of care?
- A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
- B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
- C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
- D. Expressed feelings of depression
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The administration of opioid analgesics can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, justifying the inclusion of 'Risk for falls' in the client’s care plan. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk of falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate a risk for falls, but the direct influence of opioid analgesics on balance is more immediate. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, while important, is not a direct indicator of the immediate risk for falls associated with opioid analgesic use.
2. During evacuation of a group of clients from a medical unit because of a fire, the nurse observes an ambulatory client walking alone toward the stairway at the end of the hall. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair.
- B. Remind the client to walk carefully down the stairs until reaching a lower floor.
- C. Ask the client to help by assisting a wheelchair-bound client to a nearby elevator.
- D. Open the closest fire doors to facilitate the evacuation of ambulatory clients.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a fire evacuation, it is crucial for ambulatory clients to be reminded to walk carefully down the stairs. This helps ensure the safety of the client by preventing falls or injuries during the evacuation process. Directing the client to proceed cautiously down the stairs until reaching a lower floor provides necessary guidance to promote a safe evacuation process. Choice A is incorrect because assigning unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair may delay the evacuation process and increase the risk of injury. Choice C is incorrect as it distracts the ambulatory client from evacuating safely by involving them in assisting another client. Choice D is incorrect as opening fire doors may not be the most appropriate action at that moment; prioritizing safe evacuation procedures for ambulatory clients is essential.
3. What instruction should be provided for a UAP caring for a client with MRSA who has an order for contact precautions?
- A. Do not allow visitors until precautions are discontinued
- B. Wear sterile gloves when handling the client’s body fluids
- C. Have the client wear a mask whenever someone enters the room
- D. Don a gown and gloves when entering the room
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction for a UAP caring for a client with MRSA under contact precautions is to don a gown and gloves when entering the client's room. This precaution is essential to prevent the spread of MRSA and protect both the client and the healthcare worker from potential infection. Choice A is incorrect because visitors should not be restricted solely based on contact precautions. Choice B is incorrect as wearing sterile gloves is not necessary, standard precautions with regular gloves are sufficient. Choice C is incorrect because the client wearing a mask is not a standard practice for contact precautions; it is the healthcare worker who should take preventive measures.
4. After surgery, a patient has decreased cardiac output. What is a likely observation by the nurse?
- A. Decreased urine output
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Flushing of the skin
- D. Hyperventilation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A decrease in cardiac output can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in decreased urine output. The kidneys rely on adequate blood supply to filter waste and produce urine. Therefore, a decreased urine output is a common observation when cardiac output is reduced. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increased urine output is not typically associated with decreased cardiac output; flushing of the skin is more related to vasodilation, and hyperventilation is not directly linked to decreased cardiac output.
5. A client is admitted with a fever of unknown origin. To assess fever patterns, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Document the client’s temperature fluctuations
- B. Assess for flushed, warm skin consistently
- C. Measure temperature at regular intervals
- D. Use different sites for temperature measurement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To assess fever patterns accurately, the nurse should measure the client’s temperature at regular intervals. This approach helps in identifying the pattern of fever spikes and fluctuations, which can provide valuable information for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Assessing for flushed, warm skin or documenting circadian rhythms may not directly reveal the fever pattern, while varying temperature measurement sites could lead to inconsistent readings. Therefore, measuring temperature at regular intervals is the most appropriate intervention to identify fever patterns in this scenario.
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