HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is beginning oxygen therapy asks the nurse why the flow rate cannot be increased to more than 2 L/min. The nurse responds that this would be harmful because it could:
- A. Be drying to nasal passages
- B. Decrease the client’s oxygen-based respiratory drive
- C. Increase the risk of pneumonia due to drier air passages
- D. Decrease the client’s carbon dioxide–based respiratory drive
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Increasing the oxygen flow rate beyond 2 L/min for a client with COPD can decrease the client's oxygen-based respiratory drive. In clients with COPD, the natural respiratory drive is based on the level of oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, as seen in healthy individuals. Increasing the oxygen level independently can suppress the drive to breathe, leading to respiratory failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because drying of nasal passages, increased risk of pneumonia due to drier air passages, and decreasing the carbon dioxide-based respiratory drive are not the primary concerns associated with increasing the oxygen flow rate in a client with COPD.
2. The nurse is teaching the main principles of hemodialysis to a client with chronic kidney disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?
- A. My sodium level changes due to the movement from the blood into the dialysate.
- B. Dialysis works by the movement of wastes from higher to lower concentration.
- C. Extra fluid can be pulled from the blood by osmosis.
- D. The dialysate is similar to blood but without any toxins.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because dialysis works by the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which is known as diffusion. The other statements are accurate: A correctly describes the movement of sodium during hemodialysis, C explains the removal of excess fluid by osmosis, and D highlights the purpose of the dialysate in removing toxins from the blood.
3. What is the most common cause of coronary artery disease?
- A. Atherosclerosis.
- B. Hyperlipidemia.
- C. Diabetes.
- D. Smoking.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Atherosclerosis. It is the primary cause of coronary artery disease, as it involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Hyperlipidemia (choice B) contributes to atherosclerosis by increasing cholesterol levels in the blood but is not the direct cause of coronary artery disease. Diabetes (choice C) can accelerate atherosclerosis due to high blood sugar levels, but it is not the most common cause. Smoking (choice D) is a significant risk factor for developing coronary artery disease but is not the primary cause.
4. A patient asks the nurse about taking calcium supplements to avoid hypocalcemia. The nurse will suggest that the patient follow which instruction?
- A. Take a calcium and vitamin D combination supplement.
- B. Take calcium along with phosphorus to improve absorption.
- C. Take calcium with antacids to reduce stomach upset.
- D. Use aspirin instead of acetaminophen when taking calcium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to take a calcium and vitamin D combination supplement. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium in the body, making it an essential component for calcium utilization. Choice B is incorrect because calcium and phosphorus have an inverse relationship, where an increased level of one mineral decreases the level of the other, so taking them together may not be beneficial. Choice C is incorrect because antacids often contain magnesium, which can promote calcium loss instead of absorption. Choice D is incorrect because aspirin can alter vitamin D levels and interfere with calcium absorption, so it is not recommended when taking calcium supplements.
5. When a patient starts taking amoxicillin, which foods should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?
- A. Green leafy vegetables
- B. Beef and other red meat
- C. Coffee, tea, and colas
- D. Acidic fruits and juices
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acidic fruits and juices. Amoxicillin can be irritating to the stomach, so avoiding acidic fruits and juices is recommended to reduce stomach discomfort or potential interactions. Green leafy vegetables (Choice A), beef and other red meat (Choice B), and coffee, tea, and colas (Choice C) are not typically contraindicated with amoxicillin. It is important to focus on acidic foods and beverages to promote comfort and effectiveness of the medication.
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