HESI RN
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1. The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
- A. Serum calcium.
- B. Serum phosphorus.
- C. Serum potassium.
- D. Serum sodium.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, there is a risk of significant potassium loss, leading to potential electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial in this situation to assess and manage any abnormalities promptly. Serum calcium (Choice A) is not typically affected by vomiting and diarrhea. Serum phosphorus (Choice B) levels are not commonly altered by these symptoms. Serum sodium (Choice D) may be affected in severe cases of dehydration, but potassium monitoring is a higher priority due to its potential for rapid depletion in vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor in a client with Cushing's syndrome?
- A. Blood glucose levels
- B. Serum calcium levels
- C. Serum potassium levels
- D. Serum sodium levels
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood glucose levels. In Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol in the body which leads to increased blood glucose levels due to its effect on glucose metabolism. Elevated blood glucose levels are a common finding in individuals with Cushing's syndrome. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial as it helps in assessing and managing hyperglycemia in these patients. Choice B, serum calcium levels, is not typically a priority in monitoring for Cushing's syndrome. While abnormalities in calcium levels can occur in some endocrine disorders, hypercalcemia is not a hallmark of Cushing's syndrome. Choice C, serum potassium levels, and Choice D, serum sodium levels, are not directly associated with Cushing's syndrome. While electrolyte imbalances can occur in various conditions, they are not specifically linked to Cushing's syndrome as blood glucose levels are.
3. A client with diabetes mellitus is being educated on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which of the following symptoms should the client be instructed to report immediately?
- A. Shakiness
- B. Sweating
- C. Confusion
- D. Increased thirst
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Confusion is a critical symptom of hypoglycemia that indicates the brain is not receiving enough glucose, potentially leading to serious complications like unconsciousness or seizures. Immediate reporting of confusion is essential for prompt intervention to prevent worsening of hypoglycemia. Shakiness and sweating are early warning signs of hypoglycemia but may not always require immediate intervention. Increased thirst is a symptom commonly associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.
4. The client has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage increased fluid intake
- B. Administer hypertonic saline
- C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- D. Restrict oral fluids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is to restrict oral fluids. This is because SIADH leads to excessive production of antidiuretic hormone, causing water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. By restricting oral fluids, the nurse helps prevent further water retention and imbalance of electrolytes. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice A) would exacerbate the condition by further increasing fluid retention. Administering hypertonic saline (Choice B) is not the primary treatment for SIADH, as it may worsen the imbalance. Monitoring for signs of dehydration (Choice C) is not appropriate since SIADH leads to water retention, not dehydration.
5. In a male client with a history of hypertension diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, the hypertension is caused by excessive hormone secretion from which of the following glands?
- A. Adrenal cortex
- B. Pancreas
- C. Adrenal medulla
- D. Parathyroid
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Primary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by promoting sodium and water retention in the kidneys. The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the 'fight or flight' response, not in regulating blood pressure. The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon, hormones involved in blood sugar regulation, not blood pressure. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the blood, not blood pressure.
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