HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone
1. A client with chronic heart failure is admitted with worsening dyspnea. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
- B. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
- C. Assess the client's lung sounds.
- D. Reposition the client to relieve dyspnea.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with chronic heart failure experiencing worsening dyspnea, the priority action for the nurse is to administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula. This helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Administering a diuretic (Choice B) may be necessary but addressing oxygenation comes first. While assessing lung sounds (Choice C) is important, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in respiratory distress. Repositioning the client (Choice D) may help with comfort but does not address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation.
2. What is the most suitable toy for a 3-year-old boy receiving weekly chemotherapy treatment?
- A. Bouncy ball
- B. Coloring book with crayons
- C. Duck that squeaks
- D. Remote-controlled car
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A coloring book with crayons is the best choice as it is safe, engaging, and can provide a distraction during treatment without posing any safety risks. Coloring activities can help keep the child occupied, promote creativity, and offer a calming and therapeutic outlet during chemotherapy sessions.
3. What information should be reinforced with the parents of a school-aged child about Reye's syndrome?
- A. Vaccinate your child before the age of 7 against Reye's syndrome.
- B. Keep the child at home for 2 days after the symptoms appear.
- C. Avoid giving any medication containing aspirin during a viral illness.
- D. Do not provide any citrus juices during a bacterial or viral illness.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid giving any medication containing aspirin during a viral illness.' It is crucial to advise parents to avoid giving any medication containing aspirin during a viral illness to prevent Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition linked to the use of aspirin during viral illnesses in children and teenagers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because vaccinating against Reye's syndrome is not applicable as there is no specific vaccine for it, keeping the child at home for 2 days after symptoms appear is not a preventive measure for Reye's syndrome, and avoiding citrus juices is not directly related to the prevention of Reye's syndrome.
4. A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for the administration of feedings and medications. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Pulverize all medications into a powdery condition
- B. Squeeze the tube before using it to break up stagnant liquids
- C. Cleanse the skin around the tube daily with hydrogen peroxide
- D. Flush adequately with water before and after using the tube
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, flushing the tube adequately with water before and after use is essential. This action helps prevent clogging and ensures the proper administration of feedings and medications. Choice A is incorrect because pulverizing all medications into a powdery condition is not necessary for PEG tube administration. Choice B is incorrect as squeezing the tube to break up stagnant liquids may damage the tube. Choice C is incorrect because cleansing the skin around the tube daily with hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh and lead to skin irritation.
5. In a client with chronic renal failure receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), which laboratory result would indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?
- A. Hematocrit of 32%
- B. Platelet count of 400,000 cells/mm³
- C. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/mm³
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 15 mg/dL
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A hematocrit of 32% indicates a therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa in a client with chronic renal failure. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia in these patients by stimulating red blood cell production, leading to an increase in the hematocrit level. Monitoring the hematocrit is essential to assess the response to epoetin alfa therapy.