HESI RN Exit Exam 2023

HESI RN

1. During the infusion of a second unit of packed red blood cells, the client's temperature increases from 99 to 101.6 F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Stop the transfusion and start a saline infusion.
B. Administer antipyretics and continue the transfusion.
C. Monitor the client’s vital signs every 15 minutes.
D. Notify the healthcare provider and continue the transfusion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in temperature during a transfusion may indicate a transfusion reaction, which can be serious. Stopping the transfusion and starting a saline infusion is the priority action to prevent further complications and address the potential adverse reaction. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may mask the symptoms of a transfusion reaction, delaying appropriate treatment. While monitoring vital signs (choice C) is important, stopping the transfusion takes precedence to prevent harm. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) is essential but should not delay the immediate intervention of stopping the transfusion and starting a saline infusion.

2. The practical nurse (PN) is assigned to work with three registered nurses (RNs) who are caring for neurologically compromised clients. The client with which change in status is best to assign to the PN?

A. Diabetic ketoacidosis with a Glasgow Coma Scale score change from 10 to 7.
B. Myxedema coma with a blood pressure change from 80/50 to 70/40.
C. Viral meningitis with a temperature change from 101°F to 102°F.
D. Subdural hematoma with a blood pressure change from 150/80 to 170/60.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client with viral meningitis and a temperature change is the most stable and appropriate for assignment to the PN. A change in temperature from 101°F to 102°F is not as critical as changes in Glasgow Coma Scale score, blood pressure, or wider blood pressure variations. The other clients require more complex monitoring and intervention due to their critical changes in status.

3. A client with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which laboratory value should be closely monitored?

A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Serum creatinine level
D. Hemoglobin level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: In a client with chronic heart failure, serum potassium levels should be closely monitored to assess for hyperkalemia, which can worsen heart failure. Monitoring serum sodium levels is not the priority in this case. Serum creatinine level monitoring is more related to kidney function than heart failure. Hemoglobin levels are important but not the primary concern when assessing heart failure exacerbation.

4. A client with liver cirrhosis and ascites is admitted with jaundice. Which laboratory value is most concerning to the nurse?

A. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dl
B. Bilirubin of 3.0 mg/dl
C. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dl
D. Prothrombin time of 18 seconds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ammonia level of 80 mcg/dl is elevated and concerning in a client with liver cirrhosis, as it may indicate hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated ammonia levels can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, altered mental status, and even coma. Serum albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time are important in liver cirrhosis but are not the most concerning for acute neurological deterioration associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

5. An adult male who lives alone is brought to the Emergency Department by his daughter. He is unresponsive, with minimal respiratory effort, and his pupils are fixed and dilated. At the daughter's request, the client is intubated and mechanically ventilated. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

A. Offer to notify the client's minister of his condition.
B. Determine if the client has an executed living will.
C. Provide the family with information about palliative care.
D. Explore the possibility of organ donation with the family.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention in this scenario is to determine if the client has an executed living will. A living will provides guidance on the client's preferences for medical care in situations where they cannot communicate. This information is crucial in guiding the care team on how to proceed with treatment. Options A, C, and D, though important in certain circumstances, are not the highest priority in this situation where immediate decisions regarding the client's care need to be made.