HESI RN
HESI 799 RN Exit Exam
1. A client with liver cirrhosis is admitted with ascites and jaundice. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL
- B. Bilirubin of 3.0 mg/dL
- C. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL
- D. Prothrombin time of 18 seconds
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL is elevated and concerning in a client with liver cirrhosis, as it may indicate hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated ammonia levels can lead to cognitive impairment, altered mental status, and even coma. Serum albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time are also important markers in liver cirrhosis but are not as directly associated with the risk of hepatic encephalopathy as elevated ammonia levels.
2. When a client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer, which of the following should take priority in planning care?
- A. Esophagitis
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Leukopenia should take priority in planning care for a client receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for bronchial cancer because it is a serious side effect that increases the risk of infection. Monitoring leukopenia is crucial to prevent complications. Esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, but leukopenia poses a higher risk of life-threatening infections, requiring immediate attention.
3. During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the healthcare professional be monitoring? Select all that apply.
- A. Auditory
- B. Visual
- C. Written
- D. Tactile
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During an admission assessment and interview, healthcare professionals should monitor auditory, visual, and non-verbal cues. Auditory communication involves listening to the patient's spoken words, tone of voice, and any other sounds they make. Visual communication includes observing the patient's facial expressions, body language, and gestures. Written communication, such as forms or notes, may also provide valuable information. Tactile communication pertains to touch, which is not typically utilized during an admission interview setting. While all channels of communication are important, in this context, auditory cues are particularly crucial for gathering verbal information during the assessment process, making choice A the correct answer. Visual cues and written information are also significant but may not be as critical as auditory cues during an interview. Tactile communication is generally not a primary channel used during a standard admission assessment and interview, hence it is not a key focus in this scenario.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which of these assessments is a priority?
- A. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema
- B. Assessing for signs of infection at the insertion site
- C. Monitoring the client's respiratory status
- D. Checking the chest tube for kinks or occlusions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing for signs of infection at the insertion site is the priority when caring for a client with a chest tube. Infection at the insertion site can lead to serious complications such as empyema or sepsis. Monitoring respiratory status is essential but assessing for infection takes precedence to prevent immediate harm. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema is important but not the priority unless it compromises respiratory function. Checking the chest tube for kinks or occlusions is crucial for proper drainage but is not the priority when infection is a concern.
5. Abortion is defined as:
- A. Bleeding per vaginum in early pregnancy
- B. Willingness to terminate pregnancy
- C. Expulsion of products of conception after the 28th week of gestation
- D. Expulsion of products of conception before the 28th week of gestation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Abortion is defined as the expulsion of products of conception before the 28th week of gestation. Choice A is incorrect as it describes bleeding in early pregnancy, not the definition of abortion. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the willingness to terminate a pregnancy rather than the actual act of expulsion. Choice C is incorrect as it defines abortion as the expulsion of products of conception after the 28th week of gestation, which is considered a stillbirth.