HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing shortness of breath and has a prescription for oxygen therapy. What is the maximum amount of oxygen the nurse should administer without a healthcare provider's order?
- A. 2 liters per minute
- B. 4 liters per minute
- C. 6 liters per minute
- D. 8 liters per minute
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 4 liters per minute. Without a healthcare provider's order, the nurse should administer a maximum of 4 liters per minute of oxygen to prevent carbon dioxide retention in COPD clients. Higher flow rates can lead to oxygen toxicity and worsen the client's condition. Choices A, C, and D exceed the safe limit for oxygen administration without a healthcare provider's order.
2. Which client calling the community health clinic would the nurse ask to come in that day to be seen by the health care provider?
- A. I started my period, and now my urine has turned bright red.
- B. I am a diabetic, and today I have been going to the bathroom every hour.
- C. I was started on medicine yesterday for a urinary infection. Now my lower belly hurts when I go to the bathroom.
- D. I went to the bathroom, and my urine looked very red, and it didn't hurt when I went.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because bright red urine without pain suggests possible hematuria, which is a concerning symptom that requires immediate medical evaluation. Option A mentions bright red urine but also relates it to starting a period, which is less likely to be an urgent issue. Option B describes increased urination, which may indicate hyperglycemia but doesn't require immediate evaluation. Option C presents symptoms more related to a urinary tract infection that may not require urgent attention.
3. After completing her first chemotherapy treatment, what behavior indicates that a female client with breast cancer understands her discharge care needs?
- A. She refuses to take anti-nausea medication.
- B. She rents movies and borrows books to pass time at home.
- C. She plans to resume strenuous physical activity immediately.
- D. She reports severe fatigue and inability to perform daily activities.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Renting movies and borrowing books for use during recovery indicates the client is planning restful activities at home, which aligns with appropriate post-chemotherapy care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because refusing anti-nausea medication can lead to complications, resuming strenuous physical activity immediately can be harmful, and reporting severe fatigue and inability to perform daily activities may indicate a need for medical attention rather than understanding discharge care needs.
4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for a renal biopsy. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- B. Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl
- C. Serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl
- D. White blood cell count of 8,000/mm3
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dl is the most concerning laboratory value in a client with chronic kidney disease scheduled for a renal biopsy. An elevated serum creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which is critical information before performing a renal biopsy. Option A (Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L) may be concerning for hyperkalemia but is not directly related to the renal biopsy procedure. Option B (Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl) is within normal limits, suggesting relatively normal kidney function. Option D (White blood cell count of 8,000/mm3) is within the normal range and not directly related to the renal biopsy procedure or CKD management.
5. An older adult male client is admitted to the medical unit following a fall at home. When undressing him, the nurse notes that he is wearing an adult diaper, and skin breakdown is obvious over his sacral area. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Establish a toileting schedule to decrease episodes of incontinence
- B. Complete a functional assessment of the client’s self-care abilities
- C. Apply a barrier ointment to intact areas that may be exposed to moisture
- D. Determine the size and depth of skin breakdown over the sacral area
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The initial step the nurse should take when faced with skin breakdown over the sacral area of the client is to determine the size and depth of the affected area. Assessing and documenting these aspects are crucial before initiating any treatment. This evaluation will guide the nurse in developing an appropriate care plan to address the skin breakdown effectively. Options A, B, and C are not the first steps to take in this situation. While establishing a toileting schedule and completing a functional assessment are important, assessing the size and depth of the skin breakdown is the priority to initiate proper treatment. Applying a barrier ointment without assessing the extent of the breakdown may not address the underlying issue effectively.