HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam
1. A client with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) is admitted with fluid volume overload. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
- B. Presence of a cough
- C. Edema in the lower extremities
- D. Shortness of breath
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D - Shortness of breath.' In a client with congestive heart failure experiencing fluid volume overload, shortness of breath is a critical finding that indicates possible pulmonary congestion and worsening heart failure. This symptom requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are common findings in clients with CHF but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, cough can be due to pulmonary congestion, and edema in lower extremities is a common manifestation of CHF, but none of these findings are as concerning as shortness of breath in this scenario.
2. During a home health visit, the nurse notices that an older male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is wearing loose cloth slippers. The client reports that he cannot comfortably wear other shoes because his toenails get in the way. The nurse inspects the client's feet and finds long thick nails that curl down under some of the toes. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. demonstrate proper foot care to the client and family
- B. have a home health aide assist the client with hygiene weekly
- C. schedule an appointment for the client with a podiatrist
- D. trim the client's toenails gradually over several visits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist is the most appropriate action in this scenario. For a client with long thick nails that curl under the toes, professional foot care by a podiatrist is necessary to prevent complications, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus. Demonstrating proper foot care (choice A) may not address the immediate need for nail trimming. Having a home health aide assist with hygiene weekly (choice B) may not be sufficient for managing the client's toenail issue effectively. Trimming the client's toenails gradually over several visits (choice D) should be performed by a professional like a podiatrist to avoid potential complications.
3. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which of the following interventions should the healthcare provider include in the care plan?
- A. Encourage oral fluids
- B. Restrict fluid intake
- C. Administer potassium supplements
- D. Increase sodium intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with SIADH is to restrict fluid intake. SIADH leads to water retention and dilution of sodium levels in the body, resulting in hyponatremia. Restricting fluid intake helps prevent further dilutional hyponatremia. Encouraging oral fluids (Choice A) would exacerbate the condition by further increasing fluid retention. Administering potassium supplements (Choice C) is not directly related to managing SIADH. Increasing sodium intake (Choice D) is contraindicated because it can worsen hyponatremia in clients with SIADH.
4. A client at 32-weeks gestation comes to the prenatal clinic with complaints of pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue, and a moist cough. Which question is most important for the LPN/LVN to ask this client?
- A. Which symptom did you experience first?
- B. Are you consuming large amounts of salty foods?
- C. Have you traveled to a foreign country recently?
- D. Do you have a history of rheumatic fever?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Rheumatic fever can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which may be exacerbated during pregnancy, causing symptoms like pedal edema and dyspnea. Asking about a history of rheumatic fever is crucial in this case to assess the potential impact on the client's current symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant in this scenario as they do not directly relate to the presenting symptoms and history of rheumatic fever.
5. When preparing a class on newborn care for expectant parents, what content should be taught concerning the newborn infant born at term gestation?
- A. Milia are white marks caused by sebaceous glands and typically resolve within 2 to 4 weeks.
- B. Meconium is the first stool and is typically dark green or black in color.
- C. Vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance mainly found in skin folds, providing a protective layer.
- D. Pseudostrabismus in newborns usually self-resolves without the need for intervention.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance that acts as a protective barrier on the skin of newborns, particularly present in skin folds. It helps to prevent dehydration and protect the delicate skin of the newborn from the amniotic fluid in utero. Educating expectant parents about the presence and function of vernix caseosa can help them understand the importance of its preservation during the immediate postnatal period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the protective function of vernix caseosa in newborns. Milia are small, white bumps on the skin due to blocked oil glands, meconium is the first stool of a newborn and is typically dark green or black in color, and pseudostrabismus refers to false appearance of misalignment of the eyes, which usually resolves on its own without intervention.