HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client reports difficulty breathing. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
- B. Instruct the client to breathe deeply and cough
- C. Check the client's oxygen saturation level
- D. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client with COPD reports difficulty breathing while receiving oxygen is to check the client's oxygen saturation level. This helps in determining the adequacy of oxygenation and identifying the cause of the breathing difficulty. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice A) may not be appropriate without knowing the current oxygen saturation level. Instructing the client to breathe deeply and cough (Choice B) may not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position (Choice D) can help with breathing but should come after ensuring proper oxygenation.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with right-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Jugular venous distention
- B. Peripheral edema
- C. Crackles in the lungs
- D. Elevated liver enzymes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with right-sided heart failure, crackles in the lungs are the most concerning finding as they indicate pulmonary congestion, which requires immediate intervention. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potential respiratory distress. Jugular venous distention (Choice A) and peripheral edema (Choice B) are common findings in right-sided heart failure but do not indicate acute deterioration requiring immediate intervention. Elevated liver enzymes (Choice D) may be seen in chronic heart failure but do not warrant immediate action compared to the urgent need to address pulmonary congestion indicated by crackles in the lungs.
3. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following should be the nurse's first priority?
- A. The client will maintain adequate nutrition.
- B. The client will manage side effects of treatment.
- C. The client will recognize signs and symptoms of infection.
- D. The client will experience a reduction in pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Recognizing signs and symptoms of infection should be the nurse's first priority when developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often compromises the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Early identification and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications. Options A, B, and D are important aspects of care but recognizing signs of infection takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening consequences in clients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
4. A new nurse is working hard to follow the established procedures on the unit and is focusing on being as efficient as possible. Which of the following best describes this nurse’s behavior?
- A. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of efficiency, which involves following established procedures to complete tasks in the most effective way possible.
- B. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of task orientation, which focuses on completing tasks efficiently without necessarily considering the impact on patient care.
- C. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of patient-centered care, which focuses on providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences and needs.
- D. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of transformational leadership, which involves inspiring and motivating others to achieve a higher level of performance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The nurse is demonstrating the concept of efficiency by following established procedures to complete tasks effectively. Efficiency in healthcare involves optimizing processes and resources to achieve the best outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as task orientation refers to focusing on task completion without considering broader aspects like patient care. Choice C is incorrect as patient-centered care emphasizes individual patient needs and preferences rather than operational efficiency. Choice D is incorrect as transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating others, not specifically related to task efficiency.
5. A client with DM asks a nurse why it is necessary to rotate injection sites when using an insulin pen. The nurse's best response would be:
- A. To prevent scar tissue from forming under the skin.
- B. To make the injections less painful.
- C. To help the insulin absorb better.
- D. To keep the skin looking healthy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "To help the insulin absorb better." Rotating injection sites is important as it helps to ensure better insulin absorption and reduces the risk of developing lipodystrophy. Option A is incorrect as rotating sites primarily aims to optimize insulin absorption, not prevent scar tissue. Option B is inaccurate because rotating injection sites does not necessarily make the injections less painful. Option D is incorrect as the primary reason for rotating injection sites is not related to the aesthetics of the skin but rather to enhance insulin absorption and prevent complications.