HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Quiz
1. The nurse is preparing to administer doses of hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and digoxin (Lanoxin) to a patient who has heart failure. The patient reports having blurred vision. The nurse notes a heart rate of 60 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 140/78 mm Hg. Which action will the nurse take?
- A. Administer the medications and request an order for serum electrolytes.
- B. Give both medications and evaluate serum blood glucose frequently.
- C. Hold the digoxin and notify the provider.
- D. Hold the hydrochlorothiazide and notify the provider.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is experiencing symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as blurred vision and bradycardia. When thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide are taken with digoxin, the patient is at risk of digoxin toxicity due to the potential for thiazides to cause hypokalemia. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take is to hold the digoxin and notify the provider. Administering the medications without addressing the potential toxicity could worsen the patient's condition. Requesting serum electrolytes (Choice A) may be necessary but holding the digoxin takes priority. Evaluating serum blood glucose (Choice B) is not relevant to the current situation. Holding hydrochlorothiazide (Choice D) is not the best option as the primary concern is the digoxin toxicity that needs to be addressed promptly.
2. A patient’s serum osmolality is 305 mOsm/kg. Which term describes this patient’s body fluid osmolality?
- A. Iso-osmolar
- B. Hypo-osmolar
- C. Hyperosmolar
- D. Isotonic
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct term to describe a patient with a serum osmolality of 305 mOsm/kg is 'hyperosmolar.' Normal osmolality ranges from 280 to 300 mOsm/kg. A patient with an osmolality above this range is considered hyperosmolar. Choice A ('Iso-osmolar') implies an equal osmolality, which is not the case in this scenario. Choice B ('Hypo-osmolar') suggests a lower osmolality, which is incorrect based on the provided serum osmolality value. Choice D ('Isotonic') refers to a solution having the same osmolality as another solution, not describing the specific scenario of this patient being above the normal range.
3. After undergoing a renal biopsy, a client reports pain radiating to the front of the abdomen from the biopsy site. What finding should the nurse assess the client for?
- A. Bleeding
- B. Renal colic
- C. Infection at the site
- D. Increased temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bleeding. Pain radiating to the front of the abdomen from the renal biopsy site suggests bleeding, which should be promptly assessed and managed. Bleeding can lead to serious complications if not addressed timely. Renal colic (choice B) is associated with kidney stones and typically presents with severe flank pain. Infection at the site (choice C) would more likely present with localized signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Increased temperature (choice D) alone is not specific to the issue described and may be indicative of various conditions.
4. The nurse is teaching a patient who will be discharged home from the hospital to take amoxicillin (Amoxil) twice daily for 10 days. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
- A. Discontinue the antibiotic when your temperature returns to normal and your symptoms have improved.
- B. If diarrhea occurs, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your provider.
- C. Stop taking the drug and notify your provider if you develop a rash while taking this drug.
- D. You may save any unused antibiotic to use if your symptoms recur.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Patients who develop signs of allergy, such as rash, should notify their provider before continuing medication therapy. Patients should be counseled to continue taking their antibiotics until completion of the prescribed regimen even when they feel well. Diarrhea is an adverse effect but does not warrant cessation of the drug. Before deciding to stop taking a medication due to a side effect, encourage the patient to contact the provider first. Patients should discard any unused antibiotic.
5. What information will the nurse provide when counseling a patient starting a sulfonamide drug for a urinary tract infection?
- A. Drink several quarts of water daily.
- B. If stomach upset occurs, avoid taking antacids.
- C. Limit sun exposure to avoid skin reactions.
- D. Report any sore throat promptly.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drink several quarts of water daily. This advice aims to prevent crystalluria, a potential side effect of sulfonamide drugs. Option B is incorrect because antacids should not be taken with sulfonamides as they can decrease drug absorption. Option C is incorrect as sulfonamides can increase sensitivity to sunlight, not requiring sun exposure limitations but sun protection measures. Option D is incorrect because a sore throat could indicate a more serious adverse effect and should be promptly reported for evaluation.
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