HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone
1. A client with type 1 diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer a 50% dextrose bolus intravenously.
- B. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
- C. Provide oral glucose gel.
- D. Recheck the blood glucose level in 15 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a 50% dextrose bolus intravenously. In unconscious clients with hypoglycemia, IV dextrose rapidly raises the blood glucose level. Glucagon would be a slower option and is typically used if IV access is unavailable. Oral glucose gel is not appropriate for an unconscious client as it requires swallowing and may cause aspiration. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes delays immediate treatment and could lead to further deterioration.
2. A client with severe dehydration is admitted to the hospital. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?
- A. The client reports feeling less thirsty
- B. Urine output increases to 40 mL/hour
- C. Heart rate decreases from 120 to 110 beats per minute
- D. Skin turgor returns to normal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator that the client's hydration status is improving. This reflects adequate fluid replacement and improved kidney function. Choice A is subjective and may not always indicate improved hydration. Choice C, while a positive sign, may be influenced by other factors such as medications or pain. Choice D, skin turgor returning to normal, is a delayed indicator of hydration status and may take time to improve even after hydration is initiated.
3. A client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line has a fever. What client assessment is most important for the nurse to perform?
- A. Inspect the PICC insertion site for signs of infection.
- B. Observe the antecubital fossa for inflammation.
- C. Auscultate lung sounds for signs of respiratory distress.
- D. Check for signs of phlebitis or thrombosis along the catheter site.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Observing the antecubital fossa for inflammation is crucial in clients with a PICC line and fever. Inflammation at the site can indicate infection or complications related to the PICC line. Auscultating lung sounds (choice C) is important but not the priority in this situation. Checking for phlebitis or thrombosis (choice D) is relevant but does not address the immediate concern of identifying infection or complications at the insertion site. Inspecting the PICC insertion site (choice A) is also important but observing the antecubital fossa provides a more direct assessment of potential issues with the PICC line.
4. When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, which action should the nurse take first when performing tracheostomy care?
- A. Remove the inner cannula.
- B. Clean the stoma with normal saline.
- C. Change the tracheostomy ties.
- D. Suction the tracheostomy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy is the priority action because it ensures a patent airway before proceeding with any other tracheostomy care interventions. This step helps clear secretions and maintain airway patency, which is crucial for the client's respiratory status. Removing the inner cannula, cleaning the stoma, or changing the tracheostomy ties can follow once the airway is clear. Therefore, options A, B, and C are secondary actions compared to suctioning the tracheostomy.
5. The client with DM is being taught about the signs of hyperglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse include?
- A. Excessive thirst
- B. Sweating
- C. Shaking
- D. Hunger
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, is a hallmark symptom of hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination and subsequent thirst. Sweating, shaking, and hunger are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Sweating can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low, shaking is a sign of hypoglycemia, and hunger is often a result of low blood sugar levels triggering the body to seek fuel.