HESI RN
RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone
1. After a thyroidectomy, which vital sign is the most important for the nurse to monitor closely?
- A. Monitor respiratory rate and rhythm.
- B. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia.
- C. Monitor for elevated body temperature.
- D. Check blood pressure every 30 minutes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for signs of hypocalcemia. After a thyroidectomy, monitoring for hypocalcemia is crucial because damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery can result in low calcium levels, which may cause life-threatening complications. Monitoring respiratory rate and rhythm (choice A) is important but not the most critical in this situation. Monitoring for elevated body temperature (choice C) is less of a priority post-thyroidectomy. Checking blood pressure every 30 minutes (choice D) is not as vital as monitoring for hypocalcemia in this context.
2. A child newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is being discharged from the hospital. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the parents prior to discharge?
- A. Nutritional guidelines to support blood health
- B. Signs of infection to monitor for
- C. When to give pain medication
- D. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Proper hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell anemia (SCA) as it helps prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduces blood viscosity, which can lead to painful crises. Ensuring the child drinks enough fluids is essential to maintain adequate hydration levels and reduce the risk of complications. While nutritional guidelines and recognizing signs of infection are important aspects of care, maintaining proper hydration is the most immediate and critical factor in managing SCA and preventing crises.
3. A client is receiving a blood transfusion and develops chills and back pain. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs every 15 minutes.
- C. Administer a PRN dose of diphenhydramine.
- D. Prepare to administer an antihistamine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. These symptoms suggest a transfusion reaction, and stopping the transfusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Notifying the healthcare provider ensures timely intervention and appropriate management for the client's condition. Monitoring vital signs, administering diphenhydramine, or preparing to administer an antihistamine can be considered after stopping the transfusion and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider. However, the immediate priority is to halt the transfusion and inform the provider.
4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis has just been prescribed methotrexate. What teaching should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
- C. Take folic acid supplements to prevent anemia.
- D. Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.' Methotrexate increases photosensitivity, so clients should be advised to use sunscreen to protect their skin from sun exposure. Choice A is incorrect because methotrexate is usually taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B may be important but is not specific to methotrexate therapy. Choice C is also important, but the primary reason for folic acid supplementation with methotrexate is to reduce the risk of certain side effects like anemia rather than preventing anemia itself.
5. A 5-week-old infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has developed projectile vomiting over the last two weeks. Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement?
- A. Instruct the mother to give sugar water only.
- B. Offer the infant oral rehydration every 2 hours.
- C. Provide Pedialyte feedings via nasogastric tube.
- D. Maintain intravenous fluid therapy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct intervention for a 5-week-old infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis presenting with projectile vomiting is to maintain intravenous fluid therapy. This is essential to maintain hydration before surgery. Instructing the mother to give sugar water only (Choice A) is inadequate and does not address the need for proper hydration. Offering oral rehydration every 2 hours (Choice B) may not be effective in cases of severe vomiting and could lead to further fluid loss. Providing Pedialyte feedings via nasogastric tube (Choice C) is an option, but in severe cases, intravenous fluid therapy is more effective in ensuring hydration and electrolyte balance.
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