HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Quizlet
1. A female client is admitted with end-stage pulmonary disease, is alert, oriented, and complaining of shortness of breath. The client tells the nurse that she wants 'no heroic measures' taken if she stops breathing, and she asks the nurse to document this in her medical record. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' with her healthcare provider
- B. Document the client's wishes in her medical record
- C. Ask the client to sign an advance directive
- D. Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) wishes with her healthcare provider. This is important to ensure that the client makes informed decisions regarding her care. While documenting the client's wishes in her medical record is essential, it is crucial that the client discusses these wishes with the healthcare provider to understand the implications and have the DNR order legally documented. Asking the client to sign an advance directive is premature without a detailed discussion with the healthcare provider. Placing a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart should only be done after the client has discussed and agreed upon this decision with the healthcare provider.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
- B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
- C. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
- D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with CKD as it indicates hyperkalemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function. Serum sodium, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, while important, are not as acutely dangerous as severe hyperkalemia in this context.
3. In determining the client position for insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, it is most important for the nurse to recognize which client condition?
- A. High urinary pH
- B. Abdominal ascites
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Fever
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orthopnea. If the client is orthopneic, the nurse needs to adapt the insertion position that does not place the client in a supine position. This means the head of the bed should be elevated as much as possible to facilitate catheter insertion without compromising the client's breathing. High urinary pH (choice A) is not directly relevant to the insertion position of a urinary catheter. Abdominal ascites (choice B) may impact the procedure due to abdominal distension but is not as crucial as orthopnea. Fever (choice D) does not specifically affect the client's position for urinary catheter insertion.
4. A client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely before the procedure?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum sodium
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before hemodialysis in a client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), monitoring serum potassium closely is crucial. ESRD patients are at risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe cardiac complications. Checking serum potassium levels helps in assessing and managing this electrolyte imbalance. Serum creatinine (Choice A) is a marker of kidney function but is not the most critical value to monitor before hemodialysis. Serum sodium (Choice C) may be affected in renal disease, but potassium is a more crucial electrolyte to monitor. Hemoglobin (Choice D) is essential for assessing anemia in ESRD but is not the primary focus before hemodialysis.
5. An adult female client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) asks the nurse if she can continue taking her over-the-counter medications. Which medication poses the greatest threat to this client?
- A. Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox).
- B. Birth control pills.
- C. Cough syrup containing codeine.
- D. Cold medication containing alcohol.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox). In clients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels as the kidneys are unable to excrete it efficiently. This can lead to hypermagnesemia, causing serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Birth control pills (choice B) are metabolized mainly by the liver and do not pose a significant threat to clients with CKD. Cough syrup containing codeine (choice C) should be used cautiously in CKD due to the risk of respiratory depression but does not pose as great a threat as magnesium accumulation. Cold medication containing alcohol (choice D) should be avoided in CKD but does not present the same level of danger as magnesium toxicity.
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