HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client is tested for HIV with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the test result is positive. The nurse should tell the client that:
- A. HIV infection has been confirmed
- B. The client probably has an opportunistic infection
- C. The test will need to be confirmed with the use of a Western blot
- D. A positive test is a normal result and does not mean that the client is infected with HIV
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When an ELISA test for HIV is positive, it is essential to confirm the result with a Western blot. The Western blot is the confirmatory test for HIV. Choice A is incorrect because a positive ELISA test does not confirm HIV infection. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes a different diagnosis. Choice D is incorrect because a positive ELISA test does indicate potential HIV infection and requires confirmation.
2. In a 7-year-old child with a history of asthma experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation and displaying wheezing and the use of accessory muscles to breathe, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Administer a nebulized bronchodilator
- B. Obtain an arterial blood gas
- C. Start the child on oxygen therapy
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator. During an acute asthma exacerbation in a child with wheezing and increased work of breathing, the priority intervention is to provide immediate bronchodilation to dilate the airways, relieve bronchospasm, and improve breathing. This intervention aims to manage the acute asthma attack effectively and prevent further respiratory distress. Obtaining an arterial blood gas, starting oxygen therapy, or notifying the healthcare provider are important actions, but administering a bronchodilator takes precedence in addressing the acute respiratory compromise.
3. How does the component of Adolescent health and development empower adolescents/youths?
- A. By equipping them with life skills
- B. By involving them in providing health education
- C. By encouraging them to become peer educators
- D. By providing them with loans to start businesses
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: By equipping them with life skills. Life skills empower adolescents and youths to make informed decisions and take control of their health. Providing health education (choice B) and encouraging them to become peer educators (choice C) are beneficial but may not directly empower them as much as acquiring life skills. Giving loans to start businesses (choice D) is not directly related to empowering adolescents in the context of health and development.
4. The client is preparing a morning dose of insulin, which includes 10 units of regular and 22 units of NPH. The nurse is verifying the client's preparation accuracy. What should the syringe read for the correct dose?
- A. 22 units.
- B. 10 units.
- C. 32 units.
- D. 42 units.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 32 units. To determine the correct dose, the nurse needs to add the 10 units of regular insulin to the 22 units of NPH, resulting in a total of 32 units. Therefore, the syringe should read 32 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate total dose required for the morning insulin administration.
5. 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.