HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone
1. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prescribed omeprazole. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Coat the lining of the stomach
- B. Neutralize stomach acid
- C. Promote gastric motility
- D. Reduce gastric acid secretion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduce gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by reducing the production of gastric acid in the stomach. This helps in managing GERD by decreasing the acidity levels in the stomach. Choice A is incorrect because omeprazole does not coat the lining of the stomach. Choice B is incorrect as omeprazole does not neutralize stomach acid but rather reduces its production. Choice C is incorrect because omeprazole does not promote gastric motility; instead, it acts on acid secretion.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease missed dialysis yesterday to attend a funeral. The client's wife calls the home health nurse and reports that her husband is lethargic and hard to arouse. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
- A. Apply the client's home oxygen.
- B. Check for a thrill and bruit at the client's dialysis access site.
- C. Ensure the client avoids salt intake for the rest of the day.
- D. Take the client to the emergency department (ED).
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the most crucial instruction for the nurse to provide is to take the client to the emergency department (ED). Missing dialysis can lead to severe complications in clients with chronic kidney disease, such as electrolyte imbalances and fluid overload. Lethargy and difficulty in arousing the client suggest a critical situation that requires immediate medical attention. Applying home oxygen, checking the dialysis access site, and ensuring salt intake avoidance, although important, are not as urgent as seeking emergency care to address the potential severe complications from missed dialysis.
3. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. White blood cell count.
- B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
- C. Platelet count.
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin and hematocrit. These are the primary laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of epoetin alfa (Epogen) in treating anemia. White blood cell count (A), platelet count (C), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (D) are not directly related to the effects of this medication. Epoetin alfa stimulates the production of red blood cells, so monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels helps assess the response to the treatment.
4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular dose of penicillin to a client with a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillin. Which action should the healthcare professional take first?
- A. Check the medication order for accuracy.
- B. Have an epinephrine injection available.
- C. Administer a test dose to check for a reaction.
- D. Ask the client about any allergies.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a client who has a history of anaphylactic reactions to penicillin, the priority action for the healthcare professional is to have an epinephrine injection readily available in case of a severe allergic reaction. In such cases, the immediate focus is on being prepared to manage a potentially life-threatening situation. While checking the medication order for accuracy, administering a test dose, and asking the client about allergies are essential steps in medication administration, the first priority is ensuring the availability of epinephrine to address a severe allergic reaction promptly.
5. The nurse instructs a laboring client to use accelerated-blow breathing. The client begins to complain of tingling fingers and dizziness. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Administer oxygen by face mask.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's symptoms.
- C. Have the client breathe into her cupped hands.
- D. Check the client's blood pressure and fetal heart rate.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tingling fingers and dizziness are symptoms of hyperventilation, which can occur with accelerated-blow breathing. Instructing the client to breathe into her cupped hands can help rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide, which can alleviate the symptoms by restoring the proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This intervention can be effective in managing the client's hyperventilation without the need for additional medical interventions at this point.