HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client with bladder cancer who underwent a complete cystectomy with ileal conduit is being assessed by a nurse. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to urgently contact the healthcare provider?
- A. The ileostomy is draining blood-tinged urine.
- B. There is serous sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
- C. The ileostomy stoma appears pale and cyanotic.
- D. Oxygen saturations are 92% on room air.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A pale or cyanotic appearance of the ileostomy stoma indicates compromised circulation, which can lead to necrosis if not promptly addressed. On the other hand, blood-tinged urine and serous sanguineous drainage are common following a complete cystectomy with ileal conduit. These findings do not typically indicate an urgent issue. An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air is slightly below the normal range but does not warrant urgent healthcare provider contact unless accompanied by significant respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms.
2. A client was admitted for a myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock 2 days ago. Which laboratory test result should a nurse expect to find?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 52 mg/dL
- B. Creatinine of 2.3 mg/dL
- C. BUN of 10 mg/dL
- D. BUN/creatinine ratio of 8:1
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In cardiogenic shock, decreased renal perfusion leads to an elevated BUN. Choice A is correct. Creatinine remains normal in cardiogenic shock as it signifies kidney damage, which has not occurred in this case. A low BUN indicates overhydration, malnutrition, or liver damage, which are not typically seen in cardiogenic shock. A low BUN/creatinine ratio is associated with fluid volume excess or acute renal tubular acidosis, not specifically indicative of cardiogenic shock.
3. A patient who is being treated for dehydration is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride at a rate of 125 mL/hour. The nurse assuming care for the patient reviews the patient’s serum electrolytes and notes a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L and a serum potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L. The patient had a urine output of 250 mL during the last 12-hour shift. Which action will the nurse take?
- A. Contact the patient’s provider to discuss increasing the potassium chloride to 40 mEq/L.
- B. Continue the intravenous fluids as ordered and reassess the patient frequently.
- C. Notify the provider and discuss increasing the rate of fluids to 200 mL/hour.
- D. Stop the intravenous fluids and notify the provider of the assessment findings.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The patient’s potassium level is within normal limits, but the decreased urine output indicates the patient should not receive additional IV potassium. Increasing potassium chloride to 40 mEq/L is not needed as the level is normal. Stopping the IV fluids is appropriate due to the decreased urine output, which suggests potential fluid overload. The nurse should notify the provider of the assessment findings for further management. Increasing the rate of fluids to 200 mL/hour is not recommended without addressing the decreased urine output first.
4. When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests
- B. Complete blood count and electrolytes
- C. Serum calcium and magnesium
- D. Serum glucose and lipids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, the nurse should closely monitor laboratory values that indicate renal and hepatic function. This includes checking the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels to assess kidney function. Additionally, monitoring liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin, is essential as cephalosporins can affect liver enzymes. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the parameters that are most pertinent when administering high doses of cephalosporins.
5. A client is being discharged after lithotripsy for a urinary calculus. Which statements should the nurse include in the discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Finish the prescribed antibiotic even if you are feeling better.
- B. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid each day.
- C. The bruising on your back may take several weeks to resolve.
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After lithotripsy for a urinary calculus, it is important for the client to complete the prescribed antibiotic course to prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking at least 3 liters of fluid daily helps dilute stone-forming crystals, prevent dehydration, and promote urine flow. Bruising on the back may occur after the procedure and can take several weeks to resolve. Additionally, the client may experience blood in the urine for several days post-procedure. Reporting any pain, fever, chills, or urination difficulties to the healthcare provider is essential, as these symptoms could indicate infection or stone formation. Choice D is correct as all the statements are appropriate for the client's discharge teaching. Choices A, B, and C are individually correct based on the rationale provided, making D the correct answer.
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