HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam
1. After teaching a client with early polycystic kidney disease (PKD) about nutritional therapy, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will take a laxative every night before going to bed.
- B. I must increase my intake of dietary fiber and fluids.
- C. I shall only use salt when I am cooking my own food.
- D. I’ll eat white bread to minimize gastrointestinal gas.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer. Clients with PKD often experience constipation, which can be managed by increasing their intake of dietary fiber and fluids. This helps promote bowel regularity. Laxatives should be used cautiously and not as a routine solution. Choice A is incorrect as regular laxative use is not recommended. Choice C is incorrect as a low-salt diet is typically advised for clients with PKD, not just limiting salt while cooking. Choice D is incorrect as white bread is low in fiber and not beneficial for managing constipation, which is common in PKD.
2. A client who is mouth breathing is receiving oxygen by face mask. The nursing assistant asks the nurse why a water bottle is attached to the oxygen tubing near the wall oxygen outlet. The nurse responds that the primary purpose of the water is to:
- A. Prevent the client from getting a nosebleed
- B. Give the client added fluid by way of the respiratory tree
- C. Humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the client’s nose
- D. Prevent fluid loss from the lungs during mouth breathing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The purpose of the water bottle is to humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the nose during mouth breathing. When a client breathes through the mouth, the oxygen delivered by the face mask bypasses the natural humidification provided by the nasal passages. Therefore, the water bottle attachment helps to add moisture to the oxygen, preventing dryness and irritation to the respiratory tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Clients breathing through the mouth are not at risk for nosebleeds, do not receive added fluid through the respiratory tree, and do not experience fluid loss from the lungs due to mouth breathing.
3. After delegating to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of completing a bladder scan examination for a client, the nurse evaluates the UAP’s performance. Which action by the UAP indicates the nurse must provide additional instructions when delegating this task?
- A. Selecting the female icon for all female clients and the male icon for all male clients
- B. Explaining to the client, 'This test measures the amount of urine in your bladder.'
- C. Applying ultrasound gel to the scanning head and cleaning it after use
- D. Taking at least two readings using the aiming icon to position the scanning head
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the UAP should select the female icon for women who have not had a hysterectomy to allow the scanner to subtract the volume of the uterus from readings. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, the UAP should choose the male icon. Choice B is incorrect as it is essential for the UAP to explain the procedure to the client to ensure understanding. Choice C is incorrect because applying ultrasound gel to the scanning head and cleaning it after use are appropriate actions. Choice D is incorrect as it is necessary for the UAP to take at least two readings using the aiming icon to position the scanning head accurately for an effective bladder scan examination.
4. A patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) calls to report developing an all-over rash. What action should the nurse instruct the patient to perform?
- A. Increase fluid intake.
- B. Take diphenhydramine.
- C. Stop taking TMP-SMX immediately.
- D. Continue taking the medication.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient develops an all-over rash while taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), it may indicate a serious drug reaction. In this case, the patient should stop taking the medication immediately and notify their healthcare provider. Increasing fluid intake (Choice A) may be beneficial in some cases but is not the priority when a serious drug reaction is suspected. Taking diphenhydramine (Choice B) may help with itching but does not address the underlying issue of a potential drug reaction. Continuing the medication (Choice D) is not advisable when a serious adverse reaction such as a widespread rash occurs.
5. The patient is beginning furosemide and has started a 2-week course of a steroid medication. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Avoid consuming licorice to prevent excess potassium loss.
- B. Report a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours.
- C. Obtain an order for a potassium supplement.
- D. Take the furosemide in the morning.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is taking furosemide and a steroid medication, there is an increased risk of potassium loss due to the interaction between the two drugs. Consuming licorice should be avoided as it can worsen potassium loss. Reporting a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours is not directly related to the drug interaction and may not be necessary. Taking furosemide at bedtime is not the primary concern when a patient is concurrently on a steroid medication and furosemide. Therefore, obtaining an order for a potassium supplement is the most appropriate recommendation to counteract the potential potassium loss.
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