HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Quizlet
1. Which information about mammograms is most important to provide a post-menopausal female client?
- A. Breast self-examinations are not necessary if annual mammograms are obtained.
- B. Radiation exposure is minimized by shielding the abdomen with a lead-lined apron.
- C. Yearly mammograms should be done regardless of previous normal screenings.
- D. Women at high risk should have annual routine and ultrasound mammograms.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important information to provide a post-menopausal female client regarding mammograms is that yearly mammograms should be done regardless of previous normal screenings. It is crucial for post-menopausal women to continue regular mammograms as they are at a higher risk for breast cancer. Option A is incorrect as breast self-examinations are still recommended in addition to mammograms. Option B is not the most important information compared to the importance of regular mammograms. Option D is not the most important advice for all post-menopausal females but specifically for those at high risk, indicating a more targeted approach.
2. A client who has heart failure is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Administer 20 mEq of potassium chloride.
- B. Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.
- C. Arrange a consultation with the dietitian.
- D. Educate about the side effects of diuretics.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia, defined as a serum potassium level below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L, can lead to changes in myocardial irritability and ECG waveform, potentially causing life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action for the nurse is to initiate continuous cardiac monitoring to promptly detect any abnormal heart rhythms or ventricular ectopy. This monitoring is crucial for assessing the impact of potassium replacement therapy on the cardiac rhythm and ensuring the safety of the client. While administering potassium chloride is important for correcting the hypokalemia, it should occur after cardiac monitoring is in place. Consulting with a dietitian and educating about diuretic side effects are relevant aspects of care but are not the immediate priority in this situation where cardiac monitoring takes precedence for timely intervention.
3. A female client taking oral contraceptives reports to the nurse that she is experiencing calf pain. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine if the client has also experienced breast tenderness and weight gain.
- B. Encourage the client to begin a regular, daily program of walking and exercise.
- C. Advise the client to notify the healthcare provider for immediate medical attention.
- D. Tell the client to stop taking the medication for a week to see if symptoms subside.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Calf pain is indicative of thrombophlebitis, a serious, life-threatening complication associated with the use of oral contraceptives which requires further assessment and possibly immediate medical intervention.
4. A client with cirrhosis develops increasing pedal edema and ascites. What dietary modification is most important for the nurse to teach this client?
- A. Avoid high carbohydrate foods.
- B. Decrease intake of fat-soluble vitamins.
- C. Decrease caloric intake.
- D. Restrict salt and fluid intake.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to restrict salt and fluid intake. In clients with cirrhosis presenting with pedal edema and ascites, excessive fluid retention occurs, necessitating the restriction of salt and fluid to alleviate these symptoms. Choice A, avoiding high carbohydrate foods, is not the priority in this situation. Decreasing intake of fat-soluble vitamins (Choice B) is not specifically indicated for managing edema and ascites in cirrhosis. While maintaining an appropriate caloric intake is important, decreasing caloric intake (Choice C) is not the primary focus when addressing fluid retention in cirrhosis.
5. A client with heart disease is on a continuous telemetry monitor and has developed sinus bradycardia. In determining the possible cause of the bradycardia, the nurse assesses the client's medication record. Which medication is most likely the cause of the bradycardia?
- A. Propranolol (Inderal).
- B. Captopril (Capoten).
- C. Furosemide (Lasix).
- D. Dobutamine (Dobutrex).
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that acts to decrease heart rate and contractility. Sinus bradycardia is a common side effect of beta blockers due to their negative chronotropic effect on the heart. Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure, not associated with causing bradycardia. Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can lead to electrolyte imbalances but not commonly linked to bradycardia. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) is a beta-1 adrenergic agonist that increases heart rate and contractility, making it an unlikely cause of bradycardia in this scenario.
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