HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. While palpating the gallbladder of a mildly obese client, what finding does the nurse expect if the gallbladder is inflamed?
- A. Severe tenderness and guarding
- B. Slight discomfort upon palpation
- C. A sensation of fullness
- D. No symptoms unless the gallbladder is extremely inflamed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct. If the gallbladder is inflamed, the nurse would expect to find severe tenderness and guarding, which are typical signs of acute cholecystitis. This indicates an inflammatory process in the gallbladder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because slight discomfort, a sensation of fullness, or no symptoms unless extremely inflamed are not typical findings associated with gallbladder inflammation.
2. A scrub nurse preparing for the first surgery of the day asks if a 3-minute surgical hand scrub is adequate. What should the circulating nurse advise?
- A. Proceed with surgery preparation
- B. Extend scrub time to 5 minutes
- C. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- D. Scrub time depends on the type of surgery
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The circulating nurse should advise the scrub nurse to extend the hand scrub to 5 minutes for thorough preparation, especially for the first surgery of the day. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the need for a longer scrub time. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not a substitute for a thorough surgical hand scrub. Choice D is incorrect as while scrub time may vary based on the surgery, for the first surgery of the day, a longer scrub time is recommended as a standard practice.
3. A 5-week-old infant who developed projectile vomiting over the last two weeks is diagnosed with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement?
- A. Instruct the mother to give the child sugar water only.
- B. Offer oral rehydration solution every 2 hours.
- C. Provide Pedialyte feedings via nasogastric tube.
- D. Maintain intravenous fluid therapy per prescription.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct intervention for a 5-week-old infant diagnosed with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and experiencing projectile vomiting is to maintain intravenous fluid therapy. Intravenous fluids are crucial for rehydrating an infant suffering from dehydration due to rapid fluid loss from vomiting. Instructing the mother to provide sugar water only (choice A) is inappropriate and insufficient for rehydration. Offering oral rehydration solution every 2 hours (choice B) may not be effective if the infant continues to vomit. Providing Pedialyte feedings via nasogastric tube (choice C) may also not be as effective as intravenous fluid therapy in rapidly replenishing fluids and stabilizing the child's condition.
4. A young woman with multiple sclerosis just received several immunizations in preparation for moving into a college dormitory. Two days later, she reports to the nurse that she is experiencing increasing fatigue and visual problems. What teaching should the nurse provide?
- A. Immunizations can trigger a relapse of the disease, so get plenty of extra rest
- B. Visual problems are unrelated to the recent immunizations
- C. Increase fluid intake to reduce symptoms of fatigue
- D. Consult the healthcare provider immediately for steroid therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Immunizations can sometimes trigger relapses in multiple sclerosis due to the activation of the immune system. Extra rest can help manage these symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because visual problems can be associated with the immune response triggered by immunizations in individuals with multiple sclerosis. While increasing fluid intake is generally good advice, in this case, the nurse should focus on explaining the possible connection between the immunizations and the symptoms experienced. Choice D is not the immediate course of action; educating the patient on the potential link between immunizations and symptom exacerbation is more appropriate at this stage.
5. A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Which of the following should take priority in planning care?
- A. Esophagitis
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leukopenia. Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a critical concern in clients undergoing radiation therapy due to the increased risk of infection. While esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, leukopenia poses a higher risk as it compromises the body's ability to fight infections effectively.
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