HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client is admitted with pneumonia and is started on antibiotics. After 3 days, the client reports difficulty breathing and a rash. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Administer epinephrine
- B. Discontinue the antibiotic
- C. Assess the client's oxygen saturation
- D. Call the healthcare provider
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client's difficulty breathing and rash suggest a possible allergic reaction to the antibiotic. The first action the nurse should take is to discontinue the antibiotic to prevent further exposure. Administering epinephrine should only be done in severe cases of anaphylaxis, which is not indicated solely by difficulty breathing and rash. While assessing the client's oxygen saturation is important, discontinuing the potential allergen takes precedence. Contacting the healthcare provider should be done after discontinuing the antibiotic and assessing the client to report the situation and seek further guidance.
2. When should a new nurse graduate consider applying for a position as a nurse manager?
- A. When she is comfortable in her current position
- B. When she begins mentoring other new nurses
- C. As soon as a position opens
- D. When she has developed leadership and clinical expertise
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A new nurse graduate should consider applying for a nurse manager position when they have developed both leadership and clinical expertise. This ensures that they are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role. Choice A is incorrect because being comfortable in the current position does not necessarily equate to having the required skills for a nurse manager role. Choice B is incorrect as mentoring other new nurses, while valuable, may not directly align with the skills needed for a managerial position. Choice C is incorrect as applying for a nurse manager position solely because a position is available does not guarantee readiness for the role.
3. Upon admission to the prenatal clinic, a 23-year-old woman informs the nurse that her last menstrual period began on February 15, and that previously her periods were regular. Her pregnancy test is positive. What is this client's expected date of delivery (EDD)?
- A. November 22.
- B. November 8.
- C. December 22.
- D. October 22.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To determine the expected date of delivery (EDD) using Nägele's rule, add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) which is February 15, resulting in February 22. Then, subtract 3 months from February 22, which gives November 22 as the estimated due date.
4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with an exacerbation. Which clinical finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute
- C. Use of accessory muscles
- D. Inspiratory crackles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The use of accessory muscles in a client with COPD indicates increased work of breathing and may signal respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention. This finding suggests that the patient is struggling to breathe effectively. Oxygen saturation of 90% is low but not critically low, while a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not as concerning as the increased work of breathing indicated by the use of accessory muscles. Inspiratory crackles may be present in COPD due to underlying conditions like pneumonia but do not require immediate intervention as the use of accessory muscles does.
5. A nurse finds a pregnant client at 33 weeks gestation in cardiac arrest. What modification to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer chest compressions at a faster rate.
- B. Position a firm wedge under the client’s pelvis and thorax at a 30-degree tilt.
- C. Position the client flat with legs elevated.
- D. Call for immediate assistance and prepare for a cesarean section.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a pregnant client at 33 weeks gestation, performing CPR requires tilting the pelvis and thorax at a 30-degree angle to relieve pressure on the vena cava, ensuring proper circulation during compressions. Administering chest compressions at a faster rate (Choice A) may not address the specific needs of a pregnant client in cardiac arrest. Positioning the client flat with legs elevated (Choice C) is not recommended as it can worsen vena cava compression. Calling for immediate assistance and preparing for a cesarean section (Choice D) should be considered only after initiating appropriate CPR modifications.