HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone
1. A client who recently received a prescription for ramelteon to treat sleep deprivation reports experiencing several side effects since taking the drug. Which side effect should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Somnambulism
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Vivid dreams
- D. Daytime sleepiness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Somnambulism' (sleepwalking). Somnambulism is a potentially dangerous side effect that should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Sleepwalking can pose risks to the individual's safety and may indicate a serious adverse reaction to the medication. Dry mouth (choice B), vivid dreams (choice C), and daytime sleepiness (choice D) are common side effects of ramelteon and are generally not considered as urgent or serious as somnambulism. While these side effects can impact the client's quality of life, they are not typically associated with immediate safety concerns.
2. Insulin therapy is initiated for a 12-year-old child who is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action is most important for the nurse to include in the child’s plan of care?
- A. Monitor serum glucose for adjustment in the infusion rate of regular insulin (Novolin R).
- B. Determine the child’s compliance schedule for subcutaneous NPH insulin (Humulin N).
- C. Demonstrate to the parents how to program an insulin pen for daily glucose regulation.
- D. Consult with the healthcare provider about the use of insulin detemir (Levemir Flex Pen).
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), monitoring serum glucose levels is crucial to adjust the infusion rate of regular insulin effectively. This helps in controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications associated with DKA. Close monitoring and adjustments based on glucose levels are essential for the successful management of DKA. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on a different type of insulin and compliance schedule without addressing the immediate needs of managing DKA. Choice C is not the priority action and involves educating parents on a different method of insulin administration. Choice D is also not the most important action as it suggests consulting with the healthcare provider about a different type of insulin rather than focusing on immediate glucose monitoring for insulin adjustment in DKA management.
3. The patient is beginning furosemide and has started a 2-week course of a steroid medication. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Avoid consuming licorice to prevent excess potassium loss.
- B. Report a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours.
- C. Obtain an order for a potassium supplement.
- D. Take the furosemide in the morning.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is taking furosemide and a steroid medication, there is an increased risk of potassium loss due to the interaction between the two drugs. Consuming licorice should be avoided as it can worsen potassium loss. Reporting a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours is not directly related to the drug interaction and may not be necessary. Taking furosemide at bedtime is not the primary concern when a patient is concurrently on a steroid medication and furosemide. Therefore, obtaining an order for a potassium supplement is the most appropriate recommendation to counteract the potential potassium loss.
4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with Addison's disease. Which of the following symptoms is consistent with this condition?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Hyperpigmentation
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hyperpigmentation is a characteristic symptom of Addison's disease. In Addison's disease, there is a decrease in cortisol production, leading to an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion by the pituitary gland. Excess ACTH can stimulate melanocytes, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Choices A, B, and D are not typically associated with Addison's disease. Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions involving excess cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome. Hyperglycemia may occur in diabetes mellitus but is not a hallmark of Addison's disease. Weight loss, rather than weight gain, is a common symptom of Addison's disease due to decreased cortisol levels.
5. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin (Glucophage). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with meals.
- B. Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia.
- C. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. Take the medication at bedtime.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Clients taking metformin (Glucophage) should avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin should be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset. While hypoglycemia is less common with metformin compared to other diabetes medications, clients should still be aware of its symptoms.