HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone
1. A client presents to the labor and delivery unit with a report of leaking fluid that is greenish-brown vaginal discharge. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
- B. Begin continuous fetal monitoring
- C. Check the amniotic fluid pH
- D. Assess maternal vital signs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Greenish-brown discharge likely indicates meconium in the amniotic fluid, which poses a risk to the fetus. Continuous fetal monitoring should be initiated immediately to assess for signs of fetal distress. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can lead to meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn, so timely monitoring is crucial. Checking the amniotic fluid pH can help confirm the presence of meconium but is not the priority over fetal monitoring. Assessing maternal vital signs is important but secondary to monitoring the fetal well-being in this urgent situation. Notifying the healthcare provider can follow once the immediate fetal assessment is underway.
2. Which of the following is a key symptom of hypothyroidism?
- A. Weight loss.
- B. Heat intolerance.
- C. Cold intolerance.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a key symptom of hypothyroidism because a decreased metabolic rate leads to a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where excess thyroid hormone leads to an increased sensitivity to heat. Increased appetite (Choice D) is not typically seen in hypothyroidism; instead, individuals with hypothyroidism may experience weight gain due to the slowed metabolism.
3. A client admitted with left-sided heart failure presents with shortness of breath and pink frothy sputum. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Decreased breath sounds bilaterally.
- B. Heart rate of 110 bpm and irregular rhythm.
- C. Pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate.
- D. Elevated blood pressure and shortness of breath.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: Pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate. Pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema, indicating fluid in the lungs, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Increased respiratory rate is also concerning as it indicates the body's effort to compensate for the decreased oxygenation. Options A, B, and D are not the most critical findings in this situation. Decreased breath sounds bilaterally may indicate a pneumothorax or atelectasis, heart rate of 110 bpm and irregular rhythm can be managed with medications and further assessment, and elevated blood pressure with shortness of breath is not as urgent as pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate.
4. A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. Which of the following symptoms would indicate that the client may be receiving too much medication?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Weight gain
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Cold intolerance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia is a sign of excessive thyroid hormone replacement. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing thyroid hormone levels. If a client with hypothyroidism experiences symptoms of tachycardia, it suggests that they may be receiving an excessive amount of levothyroxine, causing hyperthyroidism. Bradycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, not excessive levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice B) and cold intolerance (Choice D) are also typical symptoms of hypothyroidism and would not typically indicate overmedication.
5. A client is hospitalized with heart failure (HF). Which intervention should the nurse implement to improve ventilation and reduce venous return?
- A. Perform passive range of motion exercises
- B. Place the client in high Fowler's position
- C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
- D. Increase the client's activity level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In clients with heart failure, placing them in high Fowler's position is beneficial as it helps reduce venous return and improve ventilation. This position aids in decreasing the workload on the heart by promoting better lung expansion and oxygenation. Passive range of motion exercises (Choice A) are not directly related to improving ventilation or reducing venous return. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice C) may help with oxygenation but does not directly address reducing venous return. Increasing the client's activity level (Choice D) may worsen heart failure symptoms by increasing the workload on the heart.