HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. When a client is suspected of having a stroke, what is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
- B. Perform a neurological assessment.
- C. Position the client in a supine position.
- D. Check the client's blood glucose level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to perform a neurological assessment. When a stroke is suspected, the priority action is to assess the client neurologically to determine the extent of brain injury and identify any immediate risks, such as impaired airway, speech deficits, or loss of motor function. This assessment helps in early recognition of signs that are essential for timely intervention and guides further treatment, such as administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), if appropriate. Positioning the client in a supine position or checking the blood glucose level can be important but not the priority when a stroke is suspected.
2. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?
- A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
- B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
- C. Proteins that act as transport highways
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.
3. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Increased abdominal girth
- B. Confusion and altered mental status
- C. Yellowing of the skin
- D. Peripheral edema
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Confusion and altered mental status are concerning in a client with cirrhosis as they may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Increased abdominal girth can be seen in ascites, yellowing of the skin is due to jaundice, and peripheral edema is associated with fluid retention in cirrhosis, but confusion and altered mental status are more closely linked to hepatic encephalopathy, which can progress rapidly and needs urgent attention.
4. When caring for a male client with diabetes insipidus, what does Nurse Juliet expect to administer?
- A. Vasopressin (Pitressin Synthetic)
- B. Furosemide (Lasix)
- C. Regular insulin
- D. 10% dextrose
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vasopressin (Pitressin Synthetic). Vasopressin is the treatment of choice for diabetes insipidus as it replaces the deficient antidiuretic hormone. Furosemide (Lasix) (choice B) is a diuretic and would exacerbate fluid loss, making it inappropriate for diabetes insipidus. Regular insulin (choice C) is used for diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus, which involves water balance rather than glucose regulation. 10% dextrose (choice D) is used to treat hypoglycemia, not diabetes insipidus.
5. Prior to discharge, the parents of a child with cystic fibrosis are demonstrating chest physiotherapy (CPT) that they will perform for their child at home. Which action requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Plan to perform CPT when the child awakens in the morning.
- B. A cupped hand is used when percussing the lung field.
- C. A bronchodilator is administered before starting CPT.
- D. The child is placed in a supine position to begin percussion.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Placing the child in a supine position to begin percussion is incorrect for chest physiotherapy (CPT). This position is not effective for CPT as it may lead to improper drainage of secretions. The child should be in an appropriate sitting or slightly reclined position to ensure proper lung drainage during CPT. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate actions for chest physiotherapy. Performing CPT when the child awakens helps in clearing secretions, using a cupped hand during percussion is a proper technique to promote secretion movement, and administering a bronchodilator before CPT can help open up the airways for better clearance.