HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone
1. Which intervention should be included in the long-term plan of care for a client with COPD?
- A. Administer high-flow oxygen during sleep.
- B. Reduce risk factors for infection.
- C. Limit fluid intake to reduce secretions.
- D. Use diaphragmatic breathing to achieve better exhalation.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use diaphragmatic breathing to achieve better exhalation.' Diaphragmatic breathing is an essential intervention for clients with COPD as it helps improve exhalation and lung function, ultimately reducing symptoms over the long term. Option A is incorrect because high-flow oxygen during sleep is more relevant for clients with conditions like sleep apnea rather than COPD. Option B, 'Reduce risk factors for infection,' is important but not as specific to the long-term management of COPD as diaphragmatic breathing. Option C, 'Limit fluid intake to reduce secretions,' is not a recommended intervention for clients with COPD, as adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining respiratory health.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the client may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Client becomes increasingly lethargic
- B. Client's respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute
- C. Client responds to verbal stimuli
- D. Client's pupils are equal and reactive
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Increased lethargy is a sign of worsening intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening in clients with brain injuries. As ICP rises, it can lead to decreased level of consciousness, such as lethargy or even coma. Choices B, C, and D are not indicative of increased ICP. A normal respiratory rate, response to verbal stimuli, and equal reactive pupils do not specifically point towards increased intracranial pressure.
3. During an acute exacerbation of asthma, what is the nurse's first action for a client experiencing this condition?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.
- B. Check the client's oxygen saturation.
- C. Reassure the client and encourage deep breathing.
- D. Provide emotional support to reduce anxiety.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action when managing an acute exacerbation of asthma is to administer a bronchodilator as prescribed. Bronchodilators help open the airways and improve breathing in individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Checking oxygen saturation (Choice B) is important but not the first action. Reassuring the client and encouraging deep breathing (Choice C) can be beneficial but should come after administering the bronchodilator. Providing emotional support to reduce anxiety (Choice D) is important but is not the initial priority in managing an acute exacerbation of asthma.
4. A client is experiencing angina at rest. Which statement indicates a good understanding of the care required?
- A. I will notify the nurse if my chest pain is not relieved in 30 minutes.
- B. I will use nitroglycerin as needed, every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses.
- C. I will avoid physical activity until the pain subsides completely.
- D. I will take nitroglycerin 30 minutes before any physical activity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using nitroglycerin as needed, every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses, is the appropriate management for angina at rest. This helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Choice A is incorrect because chest pain that persists at rest should be addressed immediately, not waiting for 30 minutes. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach during an angina episode. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be used during chest pain episodes, not as a preventive measure before physical activity.
5. A client with a venous leg ulcer is receiving compression therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Decreased pain and increased redness around the ulcer.
- B. Increased serous drainage from the ulcer site.
- C. Cool extremities and weak peripheral pulses.
- D. Pitting edema around the ulcer site.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cool extremities and weak peripheral pulses indicate compromised circulation, possibly due to inadequate arterial blood supply. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as tissue damage or non-healing ulcers. Option A, decreased pain and increased redness, can be a sign of improving wound condition. Option B, increased serous drainage, may indicate a normal part of the healing process. Option D, pitting edema, is common in venous leg ulcers and may not require immediate intervention unless severe and accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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