HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Monitor the client's potassium levels closely.
- B. Assess for signs of hyperkalemia.
- C. Instruct the client to increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
- D. Increase the client’s fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for signs of hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Therefore, the nurse's priority intervention should be to assess the client for signs of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels closely (choice A) is important but assessing for signs of hyperkalemia takes precedence. Instructing the client to increase intake of potassium-rich foods (choice C) can exacerbate hyperkalemia in this case. Increasing the client’s fluid intake to prevent dehydration (choice D) is not directly related to the potential side effect of spironolactone.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis who is reporting severe abdominal pain. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the client's bowel sounds
- B. Administer prescribed pain medication
- C. Encourage the client to sit upright
- D. Provide clear fluids to the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with acute pancreatitis experiencing severe abdominal pain, the priority nursing intervention is to provide pain relief. Administering prescribed pain medication is essential to improve comfort and reduce pain, which can help stabilize the client's condition. Assessing bowel sounds (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the immediate priority over pain management. Encouraging the client to sit upright (Choice C) and providing clear fluids (Choice D) are not the primary interventions for addressing severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis.
3. A client with adrenal insufficiency is admitted to the ICU with acute adrenal crisis. The client's vital signs include heart rate 138 bpm and BP 80/60. What is the nurse's first intervention?
- A. Obtain an analgesic prescription.
- B. Administer an IV fluid bolus.
- C. Administer PRN antipyretic.
- D. Cover the client with a cooling blanket.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client with adrenal crisis and hypotension is to administer an IV fluid bolus. In adrenal crisis, the body is deficient in cortisol, leading to hypotension. Fluid resuscitation helps stabilize the blood pressure. Obtaining an analgesic prescription (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation. Administering a PRN antipyretic (Choice C) is not indicated as the client's vital signs do not suggest fever. Covering the client with a cooling blanket (Choice D) is not appropriate for addressing hypotension in adrenal crisis.
4. A client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed enoxaparin. What teaching should the nurse provide?
- A. Rotate injection sites to prevent bruising.
- B. Administer the injection in the abdomen only.
- C. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising.
- D. Avoid contact sports to prevent injury.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct teaching for a client prescribed enoxaparin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to report any unusual bleeding or bruising. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, and these symptoms could indicate excessive anticoagulation. Choice A is incorrect because with enoxaparin, injections are usually given in the abdomen, not rotated to different sites. Choice D is not directly related to the medication but is a general precaution for individuals at risk of injury.
5. A client with a colostomy is being discharged. What teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?
- A. Change the ostomy bag daily to prevent skin irritation.
- B. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as broccoli.
- C. Empty the ostomy pouch when it is one-third full.
- D. Use a skin barrier to protect the surrounding skin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important teaching for a client with a colostomy is to empty the ostomy pouch when it is one-third full. This practice helps prevent leakage and skin irritation by maintaining the proper seal of the pouching system. Changing the ostomy bag daily (Choice A) is not necessary unless it leaks or becomes loose. Avoiding gas-producing foods (Choice B) is essential for some clients but is not the most important teaching. Using a skin barrier (Choice D) is important but not as crucial as emptying the ostomy pouch at the right time to prevent complications.
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