HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client with acute kidney injury has a blood pressure of 76/55 mm Hg. The health care provider ordered 1000 mL of normal saline to be infused over 1 hour to maintain perfusion. The client is starting to develop shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP).
- B. Ask for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter.
- C. Take the client’s pulse.
- D. Slow down the normal saline infusion.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client may be developing fluid overload and respiratory distress due to the rapid normal saline infusion. The priority action is to slow down the infusion to prevent worsening respiratory distress and potential fluid overload. While calculating the mean arterial pressure (MAP) is important to assess perfusion, addressing the immediate respiratory distress takes precedence. Inserting a pulmonary artery catheter would provide detailed hemodynamic information but is not the initial step in managing acute respiratory distress. Monitoring vital signs, including the client's pulse, is crucial after adjusting the intravenous infusion to ensure a safe response to the intervention.
2. The client with diabetes mellitus is being taught how to prevent or delay chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which client statements indicate a lack of understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. I can continue to take an aspirin every 4 to 8 hours for my pain.
- B. My weight should be maintained at a body mass index of 30.
- C. Smoking should be stopped as soon as possible.
- D. A & B
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Both statements A and B indicate a lack of understanding of CKD prevention. Taking aspirin every 4 to 8 hours can lead to kidney damage, and maintaining a body mass index (BMI) of 30 is considered overweight, which can increase the risk of developing CKD. Statement C, on the other hand, correctly addresses smoking cessation, which is crucial in preventing CKD. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect as they do not align with CKD prevention strategies, making option D the correct choice.
3. The client is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Administer anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.
- B. Monitor the client for signs of infection.
- C. Provide the client with a high-protein diet.
- D. Encourage the client to drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in clients receiving hemodialysis because they are at an increased risk of infection due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Administering anticoagulants is not typically a part of the routine care for clients undergoing hemodialysis unless specifically prescribed. While a high-protein diet may be beneficial for some clients, it is not a specific intervention related to hemodialysis. Encouraging fluid intake must be individualized based on the client's fluid status and should not be a generalized recommendation for all clients receiving hemodialysis.
4. In a patient with chronic kidney disease, which of the following is a common complication?
- A. Hyperkalemia.
- B. Hypernatremia.
- C. Hypocalcemia.
- D. Hyperphosphatemia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is a common complication in chronic kidney disease due to the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete potassium. As kidney function declines, potassium levels may increase, leading to hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia (increased sodium levels), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), and hyperphosphatemia (elevated phosphate levels) are not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperkalemia.
5. A client's laboratory findings indicate elevations in thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones. The nurse suspects that the client may have hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding is most often associated with hyperthyroidism?
- A. Periorbital edema.
- B. Atrophied thyroid gland.
- C. Increased pulse rate.
- D. Diarrhea stools.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Increased pulse rate is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate. Periorbital edema (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like nephrotic syndrome or heart failure, not hyperthyroidism. Atrophied thyroid gland (Choice B) is not typically an assessment finding for hyperthyroidism as the gland is usually enlarged in this condition. Diarrhea stools (Choice D) can occur in hyperthyroidism, but it is not the most common assessment finding associated with the condition.
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