HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Severe abdominal distention
- B. Decreased urine output
- C. Decreased bowel sounds
- D. Increased heart rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Severe abdominal distention is a sign of worsening pancreatitis and can indicate complications like bowel obstruction or fluid accumulation. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration. Decreased urine output (Choice B) could indicate renal impairment, decreased bowel sounds (Choice C) are expected in pancreatitis due to paralytic ileus, and an increased heart rate (Choice D) is a common response to pain or stress in acute pancreatitis but may not require immediate intervention unless it is extremely high or persistent.
2. A postoperative client with a history of diabetes mellitus is showing signs of hyperglycemia. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. Assess for signs of infection.
- B. Monitor the client’s fluid intake and output.
- C. Check the client’s capillary blood glucose level.
- D. Assess the client’s serum potassium level.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s capillary blood glucose level first. In a postoperative client with a history of diabetes mellitus showing signs of hyperglycemia, assessing blood glucose levels is crucial to confirm hyperglycemia and initiate appropriate interventions. While signs of infection are important to assess due to the client's postoperative status and diabetic history, checking the blood glucose level takes precedence to address the immediate concern of hyperglycemia. Monitoring fluid intake and output is essential but not the priority in this scenario. Assessing the client’s serum potassium level is important for overall assessment but not the initial step when hyperglycemia is suspected.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about reliable sources of Vitamin B12 with a client who is pregnant. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend in the teaching?
- A. Figs
- B. Broccoli
- C. Stewed tomatoes
- D. Skim milk
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Skim milk is a reliable source of Vitamin B12, which is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. While figs, broccoli, and stewed tomatoes are nutritious foods, they are not significant sources of Vitamin B12. Figs are a good source of fiber and other vitamins, broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and K, and stewed tomatoes are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, but they do not contain Vitamin B12 as much as skim milk does.
4. A client with diabetes begins to cry and says, 'I just cannot stand the thought of having to give myself a shot every day.' Which of the following would be the best response by the nurse?
- A. If you do not give yourself your insulin shots, you will die.
- B. We can teach your daughter to give the shots so you will not have to do it.
- C. I can arrange to have a home care nurse give you the shots every day.
- D. What is it about giving yourself the insulin shots that bothers you?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is option D because it is an open-ended question that allows the client to express their feelings and concerns. This approach facilitates a therapeutic communication process by encouraging the client to verbalize their thoughts, emotions, and fears related to giving themselves insulin shots. Option A is incorrect as it uses a fear-inducing statement that may not be helpful in addressing the client's emotional needs. Option B assumes involvement of a family member without exploring the client's feelings further. Option C offers a solution without addressing the client's underlying concerns and emotions, potentially overlooking essential aspects of client-centered care.
5. What is an ideal goal of treatment set by the nurse in the care plan for a client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema?
- A. Maintaining oxygen saturation above 92%
- B. Absence of crackles and wheezes in lung sounds
- C. Maintaining a balanced intake and output
- D. Absence of shortness of breath at rest
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The ideal goal of treatment for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema is to maintain a balanced intake and output. This helps in achieving optimal fluid balance, enabling the heart to eject blood effectively without increasing pressure in the left ventricle and pulmonary vessels. While maintaining oxygen saturation above 92% is important for adequate tissue oxygenation, the primary focus in this scenario is fluid balance. Absence of crackles and wheezes in lung sounds is important to assess for pulmonary status, but it is not the primary goal to prevent pulmonary edema specifically. Similarly, absence of shortness of breath at rest is a relevant goal, but the emphasis in CKD management is on fluid balance to prevent pulmonary complications.