HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus has influenza. The nurse should instruct the client to:
- A. Increase the frequency of self-monitoring (blood glucose testing).
- B. Reduce food intake to alleviate nausea.
- C. Discontinue the insulin dose if unable to eat.
- D. Take the normal dose of insulin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During illness, individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus may experience increased insulin requirements due to factors such as stress and the release of counterregulatory hormones. Increasing the frequency of self-monitoring, as stated in choice A, is crucial to closely monitor and adjust insulin doses as needed. Choice B, reducing food intake to alleviate nausea, is incorrect as it may lead to hypoglycemia and does not address the increased insulin needs during illness. Choice C, discontinuing the insulin dose if unable to eat, is dangerous as it can result in uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Choice D, taking the normal dose of insulin, may not be sufficient during illness when insulin requirements are likely elevated.
2. What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees.
- B. Administer diuretics to reduce fluid volume.
- C. Administer corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- D. Keep the patient in a supine position.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees is crucial for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) because it helps promote venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing ICP. Keeping the head of the bed elevated helps facilitate cerebral perfusion and can prevent a further increase in ICP. Administering diuretics (Choice B) may be considered in some cases to reduce fluid volume, but it is not the most critical intervention for immediate ICP management. Administering corticosteroids (Choice C) is not typically indicated for managing increased ICP unless there is a specific underlying condition requiring their use. Keeping the patient in a supine position (Choice D) can actually worsen ICP by impeding venous outflow from the brain, making it an incorrect choice for this scenario.
3. A client is recovering after a nephrostomy tube was placed 6 hours ago. The nurse notes drainage in the tube has decreased from 40 mL/hr to 12 mL over the last hour. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Document the finding in the client’s record.
- B. Evaluate the tube as working in the hand-off report.
- C. Clamp the tube in preparation for removing it.
- D. Assess the client’s abdomen and vital signs.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to assess the client’s abdomen and vital signs. The nephrostomy tube should have a consistent amount of drainage, and a decrease may indicate obstruction. Before notifying the provider, the nurse must assess the client for pain, distention, and changes in vital signs. This assessment is crucial to gather essential information to report accurately. Documenting the finding without further assessment may delay necessary intervention. Evaluating the tube as working in the hand-off report or clamping the tube prematurely are not appropriate actions and could lead to complications if there is an obstruction.
4. A nurse cares for clients with urinary incontinence. Which types of incontinence are correctly paired with their clinical manifestations? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Stress incontinence – Urine loss with physical exertion
- B. Urge incontinence – Large amount of urine with each occurrence
- C. Overflow incontinence – Constant dribbling of urine
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, as all the choices are correctly paired with their clinical manifestations. Stress incontinence is characterized by urine loss with physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Urge incontinence presents with a sudden and strong urge to void, often accompanied by a large amount of urine released during each occurrence. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is distended, leading to a constant dribbling of urine. Functional incontinence, not mentioned in the options, is the leakage of urine due to factors unrelated to a lower urinary tract disorder. Reflex incontinence, also not mentioned, is a condition resulting from abnormal detrusor contractions.
5. The client with chronic renal failure is on a fluid restriction. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. I will limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- B. I can drink as much fluid as I want as long as I take my medication.
- C. I will skip dialysis sessions if I feel tired.
- D. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the need to limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload, which is crucial in managing chronic renal failure. Adequate fluid restriction is essential to prevent complications such as fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes excessive fluid intake, which can worsen the client's condition by putting additional stress on the kidneys. Choice C is incorrect as skipping dialysis sessions can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, worsening renal failure and potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake to a specific volume may not be appropriate for all clients and can vary depending on individual needs, medical condition, and healthcare provider recommendations.
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