HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone
1. A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotics and oxygen therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Productive cough with yellow sputum.
- B. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
- C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- D. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to improve oxygenation. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further complications. A productive cough with yellow sputum is common in pneumonia but may not require immediate intervention unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range, indicating adequate ventilation. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is also within a normal range and may not require immediate intervention unless it is accompanied by other abnormal findings.
2. A public health nurse is developing a campaign to promote breast cancer screening. Which population should be the primary target of this campaign?
- A. women aged 20-30
- B. women aged 30-40
- C. women aged 40-50
- D. women aged 50-60
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is women aged 40-50. This age group is at an increased risk for breast cancer and should be the primary target for screening campaigns. Women in this age range are more likely to benefit from regular screening as early detection can lead to better outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because women aged 20-30 are generally not recommended for routine screening due to their lower risk, women aged 30-40 have a moderate risk but are not the primary target group, and women aged 50-60 should still be screened but targeting the 40-50 age group is more crucial for early detection and intervention.
3. The nurse is caring for a child immediately after surgical correction of a ventricular septal defect. Which of the following nursing assessments should be a priority?
- A. Assess nail beds for color and refill
- B. Assess for postoperative arrhythmias
- C. Auscultate for pulmonary congestion
- D. Monitor equality of peripheral pulses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative arrhythmias are a common and potentially serious complication after cardiac surgery, making them a priority to monitor. Assessing for postoperative arrhythmias takes precedence over other assessments like checking nail beds for color and refill, auscultating for pulmonary congestion, or monitoring peripheral pulses as arrhythmias can have immediate and severe implications for the child's health.
4. A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroid therapy can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Corticosteroids can induce insulin resistance, decrease glucose uptake by tissues, and promote gluconeogenesis. While corticosteroid therapy can cause hypoglycemia in some cases, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like renal failure or certain medications. Hyponatremia (choice D) is typically not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy unless there are other contributing factors present.
5. The healthcare provider is caring for a 3-year-old child who is hospitalized with dehydration. The child is now receiving IV fluids and has started to produce urine. What is the best indicator that the child’s dehydration is improving?
- A. The child’s urine output has increased
- B. The child’s skin turgor is normal
- C. The child’s weight has increased
- D. The child’s vital signs are stable
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator that the child's hydration status is improving. Adequate urine output signifies that the kidneys are functioning properly and that the body is effectively eliminating waste and excess fluids, indicating improved hydration levels. The other options are not as direct indicators of hydration status. Skin turgor and weight changes can be influenced by various factors, and stable vital signs do not specifically reflect hydration status.