HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath and swelling in the legs. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer prescribed diuretics
- B. Place the client in a supine position
- C. Restrict fluid intake immediately
- D. Increase the client's sodium intake
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer prescribed diuretics. Diuretics are prescribed to reduce fluid overload in clients with heart failure. By promoting urine output, diuretics help alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling. While placing the client in a supine position can help with breathing and fluid redistribution, administering diuretics takes precedence as it directly addresses fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake immediately may be necessary in some cases, but the immediate priority is to administer diuretics. Increasing the client's sodium intake would worsen fluid retention and is contraindicated in heart failure.
2. A client is being taught about the use of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) for angina. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will sit or lie down when I take the medication.
- B. I can take up to three tablets, 5 minutes apart, if needed.
- C. I will call 911 if my chest pain is not relieved after taking three tablets.
- D. I will keep the medication in its original dark container.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct administration of nitroglycerin for angina is to take up to three tablets, 5 minutes apart. If the chest pain persists after the third tablet, emergency medical services should be called. Taking more than three tablets or reducing the time interval between doses may lead to hypotension and indicates a need for further teaching.
3. A two-year-old child with heart failure is admitted for replacement of a graft for coarctation of the aorta. Prior to administering the next dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse obtains an apical heart rate of 128 bpm. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Determine the pulse deficit.
- B. Administer the scheduled dose.
- C. Calculate the safe dose range.
- D. Review the serum digoxin level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering the scheduled dose is appropriate in this scenario as the heart rate of 128 bpm falls within the acceptable range for a two-year-old child with heart failure. It indicates that the child may benefit from the therapeutic effects of digoxin. Monitoring the heart rate closely after administration is essential to ensure the medication's effectiveness and safety. Determining the pulse deficit (Choice A) is not necessary in this situation as the heart rate is within the acceptable range. Calculating the safe dose range (Choice C) is not needed since the heart rate is already within the expected parameters. Reviewing the serum digoxin level (Choice D) is not the immediate action required in this case where the heart rate is within the normal range.
4. Albumin 25% IV is prescribed for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the medication is having the desired effect?
- A. Weight gain.
- B. Reduction of fever.
- C. Improved caloric intake.
- D. Reduction of edema.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduction of edema. Albumin helps reduce edema by increasing oncotic pressure, drawing fluid back into the blood vessels. In nephrotic syndrome, there is an abnormal loss of protein in the urine, leading to decreased oncotic pressure and fluid shifting into the interstitial spaces, causing edema. Administering albumin helps restore the oncotic pressure, reducing edema, which is a desirable effect of the medication.
5. Which information is a priority for the client to reinforce after intravenous pyelography?
- A. Eat a light diet for the rest of the day
- B. Rest for the next 24 hours as the preparation and test are tiring.
- C. During waking hours, drink at least 1 8-ounce glass of fluid every hour for the next 2 days
- D. Measure urine output for the next day and immediately notify the healthcare provider if it decreases.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After intravenous pyelography, monitoring urine output is crucial to assess kidney function and detect any early signs of complications. Decreased urine output could indicate a problem with kidney function or potential complications from the procedure. While rest and hydration are important, the priority lies in monitoring urine output for any abnormalities. Eating a light diet may be recommended, but it is not the priority post-procedure instruction.