HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1
1. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter in a female client. Which action should the nurse take to maintain sterile technique?
- A. Apply sterile gloves before inserting the catheter
- B. Use sterile gloves to insert the catheter
- C. Clean the urinary meatus with an antiseptic solution
- D. Place the drainage bag above the level of the bladder
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Using sterile gloves to insert the catheter is crucial to maintaining sterile technique. Sterile gloves help prevent the introduction of microorganisms during the insertion process. Applying sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area (Choice A) is important but not specific to maintaining sterility during catheter insertion. Cleaning the urinary meatus with an antiseptic solution (Choice C) is a step in the catheterization process but does not solely ensure sterile technique. Placing the drainage bag above the level of the bladder (Choice D) is incorrect; the bag should be placed below the level of the bladder to facilitate urine drainage.
2. A client with a small bowel obstruction is experiencing frequent vomiting. Which instructions are most important for the nurse to provide to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is completing morning care for this client?
- A. Maintain a quiet environment
- B. Ensure the linens are clean and dry
- C. Place an air deodorizer in the room
- D. Measure all emesis accurately
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Measure all emesis accurately.' When a client with a small bowel obstruction is experiencing frequent vomiting, measuring emesis accurately is crucial for monitoring fluid balance and preventing dehydration. Choice A, 'Maintain a quiet environment,' while important for patient comfort, is not as critical as accurately measuring emesis. Choices B and C, 'Ensure the linens are clean and dry' and 'Place an air deodorizer in the room,' focus on environmental factors that, although helpful, are not as essential as monitoring the client's fluid balance in this situation.
3. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine sulfate via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Monitor the client's respiratory status
- B. Teach the client how to use the PCA pump
- C. Evaluate the client's pain level
- D. Assess the client's pain level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's respiratory status. When administering opioids like morphine sulfate via a PCA pump, it is crucial to closely monitor the client's respiratory status to detect signs of respiratory depression early. This is important for ensuring the client's safety while receiving pain management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while teaching the client to use the PCA pump and assessing or evaluating their pain level are essential aspects of care, monitoring respiratory status takes precedence due to the potential risks associated with opioid use.
4. A male client admitted three days ago with respiratory failure is intubated, and 40% oxygen per facemask is initiated. Currently, his temperature is 99°F, capillary refill is less than 4 seconds, and respiratory effort is within normal limits. What outcome should the nurse evaluate to measure for successful extubation?
- A. Exhibits adequate tissue perfusion
- B. Remains free of injury
- C. Remains free of infection
- D. Maintains effective breathing pattern
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Successful extubation relies on the patient's ability to maintain an effective breathing pattern. This indicates that the patient can adequately oxygenate and ventilate without the need for mechanical support. Monitoring tissue perfusion, preventing infection, and ensuring safety are important but not directly related to the immediate criteria for successful extubation. Tissue perfusion, injury prevention, and infection control are crucial aspects of overall patient care but are not the primary factors to consider when evaluating readiness for extubation.
5. The nurse is planning care for a client with a stage III pressure ulcer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
- A. Reposition the client every 2 hours
- B. Cleanse the ulcer with normal saline
- C. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
- D. Measure the ulcer's depth and diameter
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the ulcer's depth and diameter. This intervention is crucial as it helps monitor healing progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the care plan. Measuring the ulcer provides valuable information about the wound's improvement or deterioration. Repositioning the client every 2 hours (Choice A) is important for preventing further skin breakdown but may not be the priority in this case. Cleansing the ulcer with normal saline (Choice B) is essential for wound care but not the most crucial intervention at this stage. Applying a moisture-retentive dressing (Choice C) can promote healing, but assessing the ulcer's dimensions is more critical for monitoring progress.
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