HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client is newly prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder. Which finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. A serum lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L.
- B. Fine hand tremors noted after starting the medication.
- C. A blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg.
- D. A serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Fine hand tremors noted after starting lithium are an early sign of lithium toxicity. It is crucial to report this finding to the healthcare provider promptly. Adjusting the dose or monitoring serum levels more closely may be necessary to prevent further toxicity. Choice A, a serum lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) for treating bipolar disorder. Choice C, a blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg, and Choice D, a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L, are within normal limits and not directly related to lithium therapy or toxicity.
2. A male client approaches the nurse with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, “My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out!” The nurse recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
- A. Denial
- B. Projection
- C. Rationalization
- D. Splitting
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own feelings of anger onto his roommate by attributing his anger to the roommate. Projection involves shifting one's feelings, thoughts, or impulses onto another person. Denial (choice A) is the refusal to accept reality, Rationalization (choice C) involves justifying behaviors with logical reasons, and Splitting (choice D) is the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of oneself or others.
3. A public health nurse is working with a community to improve vaccination rates. Which intervention is most likely to be effective?
- A. Setting up vaccination clinics in accessible locations
- B. Distributing flyers with information about vaccines
- C. Offering incentives for getting vaccinated
- D. Partnering with local businesses to promote vaccination
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Setting up vaccination clinics in accessible locations is the most effective intervention to improve vaccination rates. This intervention ensures easy access to vaccination services for community members, removing barriers such as transportation or time constraints. Distributing flyers (Choice B) may increase awareness but may not directly address access issues. Offering incentives (Choice C) might temporarily boost vaccination rates but may not lead to sustained behavior change. Partnering with local businesses (Choice D) could be beneficial for promotion but may not directly impact vaccination accessibility.
4. A client is starting urinary bladder training. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?
- A. Use the toilet when you first feel the urge, rather than at specific intervals.
- B. Try to consciously hold your urine until the scheduled toileting time.
- C. Initially try to use the toilet at least every half hour for the first 24 hours.
- D. The toileting interval can be increased once you have been continent for a week.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In urinary bladder training, the client should be taught to try to consciously hold their urine until the scheduled toileting time. This helps in training the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. Option A is incorrect because the goal is to consciously hold urine, not void immediately. Option C is incorrect as toileting at least every half hour may not promote bladder training. Option D is incorrect as increasing the toileting interval should be based on the client's comfort and progress, not just after being continent for a week.
5. Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) is best for:
- A. Clients who do not wish to have any more children
- B. Clients with a baby less than 6 months postpartum
- C. Clients who want to wait before having a first or another child
- D. Clients with several sexual partners
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clients with a baby less than 6 months postpartum. Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) is a highly effective temporary family planning method that is recommended for women who have recently given birth and are breastfeeding. LAM works best when the baby is less than 6 months old, the mother is exclusively breastfeeding, and her menstrual periods have not resumed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because LAM is specifically designed for postpartum women with infants less than 6 months old, focusing on the lactational infertility that occurs during exclusive breastfeeding.