HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone
1. A client with chronic renal failure has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Administer calcium gluconate.
- D. Restrict the client's potassium intake.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The correct priority action for the nurse is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Hyperkalemia requires prompt intervention to lower potassium levels and prevent complications. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice A) would worsen the condition. Administering calcium gluconate (Choice C) is a treatment option but is not the nurse's priority action. Restricting the client's potassium intake (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the immediate priority when facing a critical potassium level.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
- B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
- C. Serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL
- D. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is most concerning in a client receiving furosemide as it indicates hypokalemia, which requires immediate intervention. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L and serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in this case. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL is elevated but does not pose an immediate threat to the client's life in the context of heart failure and furosemide therapy.
3. A mental health worker (MHW) is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior. Which action by the MHW warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Attempting to physically restrain the client.
- B. Telling the client to go to the quiet area of the unit.
- C. Using a loud voice to talk to the client.
- D. Remaining at a distance of 4 feet from the client.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Attempting to physically restrain the client. Physical restraint should only be performed by trained professionals in a safe manner to prevent harm to the client and staff. In this scenario, the mental health worker should not attempt physical restraint, as it can escalate the situation and potentially lead to harm. Choices B, C, and D do not pose an immediate risk and can be part of de-escalation strategies. Choice B suggests guiding the client to a quiet area, choice C involves using a loud voice for better communication, and choice D indicates maintaining a safe distance, which are appropriate interventions to manage escalating aggressive behavior.
4. What type of tissue lines the testes?
- A. Glandular tissue.
- B. Squamous epithelium.
- C. Transitional epithelium.
- D. Stratified epithelium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glandular tissue. The testes are lined with seminiferous tubules, which contain germ cells and Sertoli cells that are involved in sperm production. These cells are part of the glandular tissue that makes up the testes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because squamous, transitional, and stratified epithelium are not typically found lining the testes. Squamous epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue found in areas like the skin, transitional epithelium lines organs like the bladder, and stratified epithelium is present in structures like the skin and esophagus.
5. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. What should the nurse instruct the client to do?
- A. Administer insulin immediately
- B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
- C. Drink plenty of water
- D. Avoid eating until symptoms resolve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences hypoglycemia, the nurse should instruct them to consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates. This is the recommended initial treatment for hypoglycemia as it helps quickly raise blood sugar levels to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Administering insulin immediately (Choice A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemia. Drinking plenty of water (Choice C) and avoiding eating until symptoms resolve (Choice D) are not appropriate actions for treating hypoglycemia as they do not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.