HESI RN
Community Health HESI 2023
1. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 180/110 mm Hg. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Atenolol (Tenormin)
- B. Nifedipine (Procardia)
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- D. Clonidine (Catapres)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario of severe hypertension (180/110 mm Hg), the nurse should prepare to administer Clonidine (Catapres), which is an antihypertensive medication commonly used to rapidly lower blood pressure in acute situations. Atenolol and Nifedipine are also antihypertensive medications, but Clonidine is more appropriate for immediate blood pressure reduction in this critical situation. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic often used for long-term management of hypertension, not for rapid lowering of severely elevated blood pressure.
2. The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why her legs hurt when she walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the main characteristic of PVD is:
- A. Decreased blood flow.
- B. Increased blood flow.
- C. Slow blood flow.
- D. Thrombus formation.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Decreased blood flow.' In peripheral vascular disease (PVD), there is a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This decreased blood flow results in inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles, causing pain, especially during physical activity when oxygen demand increases. Choice B, 'Increased blood flow,' is incorrect because PVD is characterized by impaired blood circulation rather than increased flow. Choice C, 'Slow blood flow,' is not precise as PVD involves a more significant reduction in blood flow. Choice D, 'Thrombus formation,' is related to the formation of blood clots within vessels, which can be a complication of PVD but is not its main characteristic.
3. A client has an indwelling catheter with continuous bladder irrigation after undergoing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 12 hours ago. Which finding at this time should be reported to the health care provider?
- A. Light pink urine
- B. Occasional suprapubic cramping
- C. Minimal drainage into the urinary collection bag
- D. Complaints of the feeling of pulling on the urinary catheter
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with an indwelling catheter and continuous bladder irrigation post TURP, minimal drainage into the urinary collection bag should be reported to the health care provider. This finding could indicate a blockage in the catheter or a complication that requires immediate attention. Light pink urine (choice A) is expected due to bladder irrigation. Occasional suprapubic cramping (choice B) is common post-TURP. Complaints of the feeling of pulling on the urinary catheter (choice D) may indicate discomfort but do not suggest an urgent issue like a potential blockage.
4. The GIFT technique is recommended for which of the following females?
- A. Females who cannot produce an ovum
- B. Females who cannot provide a suitable environment for fertilization
- C. Females who cannot retain the embryo inside the uterus
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' The GIFT technique is recommended for females who cannot produce an ovum, provide a suitable environment for fertilization, or retain the embryo inside the uterus. This technique involves transferring the unfertilized eggs and sperm directly into the fallopian tube, bypassing the need for the ovum to travel through the fallopian tube. Choices A, B, and C all represent different scenarios where the GIFT technique would be a suitable option, making option D the correct choice.
5. A mother brings her 2-year-old son to the clinic because he has been crying and pulling on his earlobe for the past 12 hours. The child's oral temperature is 101.2°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Ask the mother if the child has had a runny nose
- B. Cleanse purulent exudate from the affected ear canal
- C. Apply a topical antibiotic to the periauricular area
- D. Provide parent education to prevent recurrence
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a child presenting with ear pain and fever, asking if the child has had a runny nose is crucial in assessing possible causes of an ear infection. Respiratory infections can lead to secondary ear infections, so exploring symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections, like a runny nose, can help in the evaluation and management of the child's condition. Choice B is incorrect because cleansing purulent exudate should be done by a healthcare provider, not a nurse, and only if necessary. Choice C is incorrect because applying a topical antibiotic without proper evaluation and prescription is not within the nurse's scope of practice. Choice D is incorrect because while parent education may be necessary, addressing the immediate concern of evaluating possible causes of the ear pain and fever takes priority.