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. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical finding is most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Kussmaul respirations
- B. Blood glucose level of 300 mg/dl
- C. Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
- D. Positive urine ketones
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L. A low serum potassium level in a client with DKA is concerning due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Kussmaul respirations (choice A) are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in DKA. A blood glucose level of 300 mg/dl (choice B) is elevated but expected in DKA. Positive urine ketones (choice D) are a classic finding in DKA and not as concerning as low serum potassium.
3. A 78-year-old client with diabetes is being taught how to care for his feet. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?
- A. I will soak my feet in warm water every day.
- B. I will use a mirror to check my feet every day.
- C. I will apply lotion to my feet every day, avoiding the area between the toes.
- D. I will wear properly fitting shoes at all times.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Soaking feet daily can lead to excessive moisture, which can increase the risk of skin breakdown or infection in diabetic clients. Choices B, C, and D are all correct statements for foot care in diabetic clients. Using a mirror for daily foot checks helps in early detection of any issues, applying lotion while avoiding the area between the toes helps keep the skin moisturized without creating a risk for fungal infections, and wearing properly fitting shoes is important to prevent pressure points and potential injuries.
4. The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C).
- B. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
- D. Fatigue.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with pneumonia, a heart rate of 90 beats per minute requires immediate intervention. Jugular vein distention indicates increased central venous pressure, suggesting possible complications like heart failure or fluid overload. Monitoring the heart rate closely and addressing any signs of heart failure promptly are crucial. A temperature of 99°F is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is also normal. Fatigue is a common symptom in pneumonia but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention compared to the critical nature of jugular vein distention.
5. How does the component of Adolescent health and development empower adolescents/youths?
- A. By equipping them with life skills
- B. By involving them in providing health education
- C. By encouraging them to become peer educators
- D. By providing them with loans to start businesses
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: By equipping them with life skills. Life skills empower adolescents and youths to make informed decisions and take control of their health. Providing health education (choice B) and encouraging them to become peer educators (choice C) are beneficial but may not directly empower them as much as acquiring life skills. Giving loans to start businesses (choice D) is not directly related to empowering adolescents in the context of health and development.