HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. A client is scheduled for an arteriogram. The nurse should explain to the client that the arteriogram will confirm the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease by:
- A. Showing the location of the obstruction and the collateral circulation.
- B. Scanning the affected extremity and identifying the areas of volume changes.
- C. Using ultrasound to estimate the velocity changes in the blood vessels.
- D. Determining how long the client can walk.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Showing the location of the obstruction and the collateral circulation. An arteriogram is a diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a contrast agent to visualize the blood vessels and identify the location of any obstructions. This helps confirm the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease by showing where the blockage is located and how collateral circulation is compensating for the reduced blood flow. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because scanning the extremity, estimating velocity changes with ultrasound, or determining walking distance are not the primary purposes of an arteriogram in diagnosing occlusive arterial disease.
2. A nurse has started a group for senior citizens in a church setting. The group decides that their first project will be to begin a program for home-bound members. Which program outcome is the best measure of the project's effectiveness?
- A. number of home-bound seniors who are visited
- B. number of church members who are over 65
- C. average annual income for the homebound members
- D. calls received showing interest in the program
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The number of home-bound seniors visited is the best measure of the project's effectiveness as it directly reflects the reach and impact of the program. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the effectiveness of the program for home-bound seniors. Choice C is irrelevant as the average annual income of home-bound members is not a direct measure of the program's effectiveness. Choice D, calls showing interest, is not as direct a measure as the actual visits to the home-bound seniors.
3. A client at risk for hypokalemia is being instructed by a nurse about foods high in potassium that should be included in the daily diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the food sources of potassium if the client states that the food item lowest in potassium is:
- A. Apples
- B. Carrots
- C. Spinach
- D. Avocado
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Apples.' Apples are the lowest in potassium among the given options. Carrots, spinach, and avocados are all higher in potassium content compared to apples. Carrots and spinach are vegetables known to have a moderate amount of potassium. Avocados, on the other hand, are a high-potassium fruit and would not be the lowest in potassium among the choices provided.
4. The nurse receives an order to give a client iron by deep injection. The nurse knows that the reason for this route is to
- A. enhance absorption of the medication
- B. ensure that the entire dose of medication is given
- C. provide more even distribution of the drug
- D. prevent the drug from tissue irritation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Deep injection helps to prevent tissue irritation caused by iron, which can be damaging to tissues. Option A is incorrect because deep injection does not primarily aim to enhance absorption, but rather to prevent tissue irritation. Option B is incorrect as the route of administration does not determine whether the entire dose is given. Option C is incorrect because the even distribution of the drug is not the main purpose of deep injection in this context.
5. Which of the following statements is true regarding ethical principles and laws?
- A. The government enforces ethics.
- B. Laws establish standards that aid in decision-making.
- C. Ethics are highly specific.
- D. Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ethical principles can influence the creation of laws but are not equivalent to laws themselves. Laws are established by governing bodies to provide a framework for society, whereas ethical principles guide individuals' moral conduct. Choice A is incorrect because governments enforce laws, not ethics. Choice B is incorrect as laws set legal standards rather than ethical ones. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are principles that guide behavior but are not necessarily highly specific.