HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone
1. A client with acute pancreatitis is receiving intravenous fluids and pain medication. What is the priority assessment for this client?
- A. Monitor bowel sounds
- B. Measure urine output
- C. Assess for abdominal tenderness
- D. Monitor blood glucose levels
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor blood glucose levels. Clients with acute pancreatitis are prone to hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. While assessing bowel sounds, urine output, and abdominal tenderness are important in the overall care of a client with acute pancreatitis, monitoring blood glucose levels takes priority to address the immediate risk of hyperglycemia.
2. The nurse is assessing on the first postoperative day following thyroid surgery. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Calcium
- B. Sodium
- C. Chloride
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring calcium levels is crucial post-thyroid surgery to detect hypocalcemia, a common complication due to injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Monitoring sodium, chloride, or potassium levels is not as vital in the immediate post-thyroid surgery period.
3. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication?
- A. Take the medication with a full meal
- B. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- C. Take the medication at bedtime
- D. Take the medication as needed for symptoms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and effectiveness. The medication is typically taken in the morning before breakfast. Choice A is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with a full meal can decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because bedtime dosing may lead to insomnia. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine is a daily medication for hypothyroidism, not to be taken as needed for symptoms.
4. A 6-month-old child who had a cleft-lip repair has elbow restraints in place. What nursing intervention should the nurse plan to implement?
- A. Obtain the healthcare provider’s advice as to when the restraints should be removed.
- B. Remove restraints one at a time to provide range of motion exercises.
- C. Record observation of the restraints q2h and ensure that they are in place at all times.
- D. Remove restraints q4h for 30 minutes and place gloves on the child’s hands.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Removing restraints one at a time for range of motion exercises prevents muscle stiffness and allows assessment of the skin.
5. A client who had a kidney transplant is receiving therapy with cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
- A. I need to obtain a yearly influenza vaccine.
- B. I need to have dental checkups every 3 months.
- C. I need to self-monitor my blood pressure at home.
- D. I need to call the health care provider (HCP) if my urine volume decreases or my urine becomes cloudy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Clients should avoid vaccinations without consulting their health care provider to prevent potential complications or reduced efficacy of the vaccines.