HESI RN
HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed heparin therapy. What laboratory value should the nurse monitor?
- A. Monitor the client’s liver function tests.
- B. Monitor the client’s prothrombin time (PT).
- C. Monitor the client’s partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
- D. Monitor the client’s red blood cell count.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client’s partial thromboplastin time (PTT). During heparin therapy for DVT, it is essential to monitor the PTT to assess the effectiveness of the medication in preventing clot formation. Monitoring the PTT helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because liver function tests, prothrombin time (PT), and red blood cell count are not specifically monitored to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy in preventing clot formation.
2. When reinforcing information about the use of corticosteroids in treating asthma in children, which statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching?
- A. My child should take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.
- B. I will rinse my child's mouth after each use of the inhaler.
- C. I should discontinue the medication if my child seems better.
- D. Corticosteroids are used for quick relief during an asthma attack.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers is crucial as it helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect associated with these medications. This practice reduces the risk of developing fungal infections in the mouth and throat, maintaining optimal oral health during asthma treatment.
3. The nurse is developing a community health program to address the high rates of hypertension in a neighborhood. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. conducting free blood pressure screenings
- B. distributing educational materials on hypertension
- C. holding workshops on stress management
- D. partnering with local gyms to offer discounted memberships
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Conducting free blood pressure screenings should be prioritized as it helps identify individuals with hypertension who may not be aware of their condition. Early detection allows for timely medical intervention and management. While distributing educational materials, holding stress management workshops, and partnering with local gyms are valuable interventions, they may not directly address the immediate need for identifying undiagnosed cases of hypertension in the community.
4. A patient has a serum potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. The patient’s provider has determined that the patient will need 200 mEq of potassium to replace serum losses. How will the nurse caring for this patient expect to administer the potassium?
- A. As a single-dose 200 mEq oral tablet
- B. As an intravenous bolus over 15 to 20 minutes
- C. In an intravenous solution at a rate of 10 mEq/hour
- D. In an intravenous solution at a rate of 45 mEq/hour
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a patient with severe hypokalemia with a serum potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L requiring 200 mEq of potassium replacement, the appropriate route of administration would be intravenous. Potassium chloride should be administered slowly to prevent adverse effects; therefore, the correct option is to administer the potassium in an intravenous solution at a rate of 10 mEq/hour. Choices A and B are incorrect because potassium should not be given as a single-dose oral tablet or as an intravenous bolus over a short period of time due to the risk of adverse effects. Choice D is also incorrect as the rate of 45 mEq/hour exceeds the recommended maximum infusion rate for adults with a serum potassium level greater than 2.5 mEq/L, which is 10 mEq/hour.
5. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving peritoneal dialysis. The nurse notes that the client's dialysate output is less than the input and that the client's abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Turn the client from side to side
- B. Increase the dwell time of the dialysis
- C. Reposition the client
- D. Milk the catheter
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take is turning the client from side to side. This helps to facilitate drainage in peritoneal dialysis. Turning the client can aid in redistributing the dialysate and promoting better drainage. Increasing the dwell time of the dialysis (choice B) may not address the immediate issue of inadequate drainage. Repositioning the client (choice C) might not be as effective as turning the client from side to side. Milking the catheter (choice D) is not recommended as it can lead to complications. In this situation, the priority is to facilitate drainage to address the distended abdomen.