HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A client is scheduled to have an arteriogram. During the arteriogram, the client reports having nausea, tingling, and dyspnea. The nurse's immediate action should be to:
- A. Administer epinephrine.
- B. Inform the physician.
- C. Administer oxygen.
- D. Inform the client that the procedure is almost over.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct immediate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to inform the physician. The symptoms described - nausea, tingling, and dyspnea - indicate a potential allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in the arteriogram. It is crucial to notify the physician promptly so that further assessment and appropriate interventions can be initiated. Administering epinephrine without physician guidance can be dangerous as the physician needs to evaluate the severity of the reaction and determine the necessary treatment. Administering oxygen may be needed but should be done under the physician's direction. Informing the client that the procedure is almost over is not a priority when the client is experiencing symptoms of a possible allergic reaction.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Increased lung compliance.
- B. Decreased lung elasticity.
- C. Increased respiratory rate.
- D. Increased lung expansion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased lung elasticity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a loss of lung elasticity, which leads to difficulty in exhaling air. This decreased elasticity results in air becoming trapped in the lungs, making it challenging for the individual to breathe effectively. Choice A is incorrect as COPD is associated with decreased lung compliance, not increased compliance. Choice C is incorrect as individuals with COPD often have a decreased respiratory rate due to impaired lung function. Choice D is incorrect as COPD causes limited lung expansion due to factors like air trapping and hyperinflation.
3. A nurse has a prescription to insert a nasogastric tube into the stomach of an assigned client. Which action should the nurse take to insert the tube safely and easily?
- A. Placing the tube in warm water
- B. Hyperextending the head while inserting the tube
- C. Removing the tube if any resistance to insertion is met
- D. Asking the client to swallow as the tube is being advanced
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to insert a nasogastric tube safely and easily is asking the client to swallow as the tube is being advanced. This action helps facilitate the passage of the tube through the esophagus into the stomach. Placing the tube in warm water (Choice A) is not a recommended practice for nasogastric tube insertion. Hyperextending the head (Choice B) can cause discomfort and is not necessary for safe insertion. Removing the tube if resistance is met (Choice C) is incorrect as it may cause harm or discomfort to the client. Asking the client to swallow helps the tube pass more smoothly and comfortably.
4. The nurse is caring for several patients who are receiving antibiotics. Which order will the nurse question?
- A. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg IV in 500 mL of fluid
- B. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg PO once daily
- C. Erythromycin 300 mg IM QID
- D. Erythromycin 300 mg PO QID
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the order for Erythromycin 300 mg IM QID. Erythromycin and other macrolides should not be given intramuscularly because they cause painful tissue irritation. Options A and B are correct routes for Azithromycin, either intravenously or orally. Option D is a correct route for Erythromycin, which is orally.
5. What is a priority intervention for a patient experiencing a thyroid storm?
- A. Administering antipyretics.
- B. Cooling the patient.
- C. Administering beta-blockers.
- D. Administering antithyroid medications.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During a thyroid storm, the priority intervention is to administer antithyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels quickly. These medications, such as propylthiouracil or methimazole, help inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Administering antipyretics (choice A) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause of the thyroid storm. Cooling the patient (choice B) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the thyroid hormone dysregulation. Administering beta-blockers (choice C) can help manage symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension, but it does not target the root cause of the thyroid storm.
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