HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone
1. What symptoms suggest the dosage of levothyroxine sodium is too high in a 26-year-old client with simple goiter?
- A. Bradycardia and constipation.
- B. Palpitations and shortness of breath.
- C. Lethargy and lack of appetite.
- D. Muscle cramps and dry skin.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Palpitations and shortness of breath. These symptoms suggest excessive thyroid hormone levels, indicating that the levothyroxine dose is too high. Bradycardia and constipation (choice A) are more indicative of hypothyroidism, which occurs when thyroid hormone levels are low. Lethargy and lack of appetite (choice C) are also common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Muscle cramps and dry skin (choice D) can be associated with various conditions but are not specific to a high dosage of levothyroxine.
2. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning effectively?
- A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
- B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
- C. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber.
- D. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber is the correct observation indicating effective functioning of the chest tube. This bubbling signifies that the suction system is working correctly and maintaining the desired negative pressure in the pleural space. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests an air leak, which is not a normal finding. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber may indicate a blockage or lack of communication between the pleural space and the water-seal, which is not ideal. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube is a normal finding, but it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of the chest tube function.
3. To reduce the risk of being named in a malpractice lawsuit, which action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Adhere consistently to standards of care.
- B. Thoroughly document all client interactions.
- C. Build a good rapport with clients.
- D. Work closely with the healthcare team.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adhering consistently to standards of care is crucial for nurses to reduce the risk of being named in a malpractice lawsuit. Following established protocols and guidelines ensures that the care provided is safe and effective. Thoroughly documenting all client interactions is also essential to support the care provided and to have a record of the interventions. Building a good rapport with clients is important for communication and trust but does not directly reduce the risk of malpractice. Working closely with the healthcare team is valuable for collaboration but might not directly impact the risk of malpractice unless it relates to following standards of care.
4. A client with stage 4 lung cancer receiving in-home hospice care expresses concerns about pain while the nurse is arranging for discharge. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Explain the potential respiratory issues associated with morphine use.
- B. Educate the family on assessing the effectiveness of analgesics.
- C. Suggest requesting a patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) pump from the healthcare provider.
- D. Provide the client with a schedule for around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In managing pain for a client with stage 4 lung cancer in hospice care, providing a schedule for around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use is essential. This approach ensures continuous pain control and helps prevent breakthrough pain. By having a consistent dosing schedule, the client can maintain a more stable level of pain relief, enhancing their comfort and quality of life during this critical time.
5. An adolescent client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for self-harming behaviors. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?
- A. Assess the client’s suicidal ideation.
- B. Educate the client about healthy coping mechanisms.
- C. Encourage family therapy sessions.
- D. Provide a safe environment free of potential self-harm tools.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for an adolescent admitted for self-harming behaviors is to provide a safe environment free of potential self-harm tools. This intervention aims to prevent immediate harm to the client. Assessing suicidal ideation is important but ensuring physical safety takes precedence. While educating about healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for long-term management, immediate safety is the priority. Family therapy sessions are beneficial for holistic care but are not the immediate priority when the client's safety is at risk.