HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam
1. A woman has been scheduled for a routine mammogram. What should the nurse tell the client?
- A. That mammography takes about 1 hour
- B. Not to eat or drink on the morning of the test
- C. That there is no discomfort associated with the procedure
- D. That deodorants, powders, or creams used in the axillary or breast area must be washed off before the test
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid using deodorants, powders, or creams on the day of the mammogram. These products used in the axillary or breast area can interfere with the mammogram results and must be washed off before the test. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mammography typically takes less than 30 minutes, there is no need for fasting before the test, and some discomfort may be experienced during the procedure.
2. When preparing a client for intravenous pyelography (IVP), which action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Administering a sedative
- B. Encouraging fluid intake
- C. Administering an oral preparation of radiopaque dye
- D. Questioning the client about allergies to iodine or shellfish
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse when preparing a client for intravenous pyelography (IVP) is to question the client about allergies to iodine or shellfish. Some IVP dyes contain iodine, and if the client is allergic to iodine or shellfish, they may experience severe allergic reactions such as itching, hives, rash, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, or bronchospasm. Administering a sedative (Choice A) may be needed for relaxation during the procedure, encouraging fluid intake (Choice B) is generally beneficial but not the most crucial for IVP preparation, and administering radiopaque dye (Choice C) should only be done after confirming the client's safety regarding allergies to iodine or shellfish.
3. The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will begin taking a cephalosporin to treat an infection. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I may stop taking the medication if my symptoms clear up.
- B. I should eat yogurt while taking this medication.
- C. I should stop taking the drug and call my provider if I develop a rash.
- D. I will not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients should take all of an antibiotic regimen even after symptoms clear to ensure complete treatment of the infection.
4. The nurse is caring for four clients with chronic kidney disease. Which client should the nurse assess first upon initial rounding?
- A. Woman with a blood pressure of 158/90 mm Hg
- B. Client with Kussmaul respirations
- C. Man with skin itching from head to toe
- D. Client with halitosis and stomatitis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Kussmaul respirations indicate a worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The client is increasing the rate and depth of breathing to excrete carbon dioxide through the lungs, a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis common in CKD. Hypertension, as in choice A, is a common finding in CKD due to volume overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Skin itching, as in choice C, is related to calcium-phosphate imbalances seen in CKD. Halitosis and stomatitis, as in choice D, are common in CKD due to uremia, leading to the formation of ammonia. However, Kussmaul respirations indicate a more urgent need for assessment as they suggest impending respiratory distress and metabolic derangement, requiring immediate attention.
5. A 70-kg adult with chronic renal failure is on a 40-g protein diet. The client has a reduced glomerular filtration rate and is not undergoing dialysis. Which result would give the nurse the most concern?
- A. Albumin level of 2.5 g/dL
- B. Phosphorus level of 5 mg/dL
- C. Sodium level of 135 mmol/L
- D. Potassium level of 5.5 mmol/L
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In chronic renal failure, a protein-restricted diet is crucial to prevent the buildup of waste products. A low albumin level (<3.5 g/dL) indicates inadequate protein intake, raising concern as it may lead to malnutrition and tissue breakdown. Phosphorus, sodium, and potassium levels are not directly impacted by protein intake. Phosphorus levels may elevate in renal failure, but at 5 mg/dL, it is within normal range. Sodium and potassium levels are also within normal limits and not influenced by protein restriction.
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