HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Quiz
1. A client with histoplasmosis has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PCO2 58 mm Hg, PO2 75 mm Hg, HCO3 27 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base disturbances does the nurse recognize in these results?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The client's ABG results show a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated PCO2, indicating respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, there is inadequate excretion of CO2, leading to increased PCO2 levels and a decrease in pH. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Metabolic acidosis'. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Respiratory acidosis involves low pH and high PCO2 levels, as seen in this case. Respiratory alkalosis is associated with high pH and low PCO2 levels.
2. An adult female client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) asks the nurse if she can continue taking her over-the-counter medications. Which medication poses the greatest threat to this client?
- A. Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox).
- B. Birth control pills.
- C. Cough syrup containing codeine.
- D. Cold medication containing alcohol.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox). In clients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels as the kidneys are unable to excrete it efficiently. This can lead to hypermagnesemia, causing serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Birth control pills (choice B) are metabolized mainly by the liver and do not pose a significant threat to clients with CKD. Cough syrup containing codeine (choice C) should be used cautiously in CKD due to the risk of respiratory depression but does not pose as great a threat as magnesium accumulation. Cold medication containing alcohol (choice D) should be avoided in CKD but does not present the same level of danger as magnesium toxicity.
3. What is one role of the hormone estrogen?
- A. Stimulates the development of the milk-producing tissue.
- B. Stimulates the production of lactoferrin.
- C. Stimulates the development of the nipple and duct system in the breast.
- D. Stimulates the secretion of relaxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Estrogen stimulates the development of the milk-producing tissue in the breast. This hormone is essential in preparing the breast for milk production. Choice B is incorrect because lactoferrin production is not a primary role of estrogen. Choice C is incorrect as estrogen primarily influences the development of the breast tissue rather than specifically the nipple and duct system. Choice D is incorrect because relaxin secretion is not a function typically associated with estrogen.
4. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Jugular venous distention
- B. Peripheral edema
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Crackles in the lungs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning finding in a client with left-sided heart failure as it indicates worsening pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. This symptom suggests that the client is experiencing significant difficulty in breathing and inadequate oxygenation, requiring immediate intervention. Jugular venous distention (Choice A) is often seen in right-sided heart failure, while peripheral edema (Choice B) and crackles in the lungs (Choice D) are common manifestations of left-sided heart failure but are not as acutely concerning as severe shortness of breath, which can rapidly progress to respiratory distress if not addressed promptly.
5. Which strategy should the nurse implement when teaching a client with low literacy about a new diagnosis of hypertension?
- A. Provide a detailed handout with complex terms
- B. Use simple language and visual aids
- C. Encourage the client to research the diagnosis online
- D. Incorporate medical jargon to explain the condition
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct strategy for teaching a client with low literacy about a new diagnosis of hypertension is to use simple language and visual aids. This approach helps ensure better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan by making the information clear and accessible. Providing a detailed handout with complex terms (Choice A) would not be suitable as it may confuse the client further. Encouraging the client to research the diagnosis online (Choice C) could lead to misinformation and overwhelm the client with information they may not understand. Incorporating medical jargon to explain the condition (Choice D) would not be helpful for a client with low literacy as it may complicate rather than clarify the information.