HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. A client with hypothyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Thyroid storm
- B. Myxedema coma
- C. Cushing's syndrome
- D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening complication that can occur in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Thyroid storm (Choice A) is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Cushing's syndrome (Choice C) results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, not related to hypothyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (Choice D) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not directly associated with hypothyroidism.
2. A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. Which of the following symptoms would indicate that the client may be receiving too much medication?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Weight gain
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Cold intolerance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia is a sign of excessive thyroid hormone replacement. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing thyroid hormone levels. If a client with hypothyroidism experiences symptoms of tachycardia, it suggests that they may be receiving an excessive amount of levothyroxine, causing hyperthyroidism. Bradycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, not excessive levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice B) and cold intolerance (Choice D) are also typical symptoms of hypothyroidism and would not typically indicate overmedication.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
- C. Tidal volume of 300 ml
- D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A tidal volume of 300 ml is concerning in a client with ARDS on mechanical ventilation because it indicates hypoventilation, which can lead to inadequate gas exchange and worsening respiratory status. This finding requires immediate intervention to optimize ventilation and oxygenation. Options A, B, and D are not as critical in this scenario. An oxygen saturation of 90% may be acceptable depending on the client's baseline condition and the target range set by the healthcare provider. A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but may not be immediately alarming. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within normal limits and does not require urgent intervention.
4. A client is admitted to isolation with active tuberculosis. What infection control measures should the nurse implement?
- A. Initiate protective environment precautions.
- B. Use droplet precautions only.
- C. Ensure a positive pressure environment in the room.
- D. Implement negative pressure and contact precautions.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When caring for a client with active tuberculosis, it is crucial to implement negative pressure rooms and contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Choice A, initiating protective environment precautions, is incorrect as this is not the recommended approach for tuberculosis. Choice B, using droplet precautions only, is insufficient as tuberculosis requires additional precautions. Choice C, ensuring a positive pressure environment in the room, is incorrect because negative pressure rooms are necessary to contain airborne pathogens like tuberculosis. Therefore, the most appropriate measures include implementing negative pressure rooms and contact precautions.
5. A nurse is planning a community health fair to promote cancer awareness. Which activity should be included to best engage participants?
- A. free cancer screenings
- B. lectures on cancer prevention
- C. distribution of educational materials
- D. testimonials from cancer survivors
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Offering free cancer screenings should be included in the community health fair to best engage participants. This activity provides immediate, valuable information about participants' cancer risk, making it highly engaging and actionable. While lectures on cancer prevention and distribution of educational materials are informative, they may not offer the same level of immediate engagement and impact as free screenings. Testimonials from cancer survivors, although inspiring, do not provide participants with direct information about their own cancer risk, making them less effective in engaging participants actively.