HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with confusion, sweating, and a blood sugar level of 45 mg/dL. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
- B. Provide a carbohydrate snack
- C. Check the client's urine for ketones
- D. Start an insulin drip
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A blood sugar level of 45 mg/dL indicates severe hypoglycemia, which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated immediately. The priority is to administer IV dextrose to rapidly increase the blood sugar level. Administering 50% dextrose IV push will provide a quick source of glucose to raise the blood sugar. Providing a carbohydrate snack is not the immediate priority in this critical situation. Checking the client's urine for ketones is important in diabetic ketoacidosis, not for hypoglycemia. Starting an insulin drip would further lower the blood sugar and worsen the client's condition.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage oral hydration
- B. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- C. Restrict fluid intake
- D. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In SIADH, there is excessive ADH secretion leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. The most crucial intervention is to restrict fluid intake to prevent further fluid overload and worsening of hyponatremia. Encouraging oral hydration (choice A) would exacerbate the condition by adding more fluids. Monitoring for signs of dehydration (choice B) is not appropriate as the client is at risk of fluid overload. Administering IV fluids (choice D) would worsen the hyponatremia and should be avoided.
3. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
- B. Administer lactulose as prescribed.
- C. Monitor the client's weight daily.
- D. Assess the client's neurological status.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering lactulose is the first priority in managing a client with cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels and prevent worsening hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps in decreasing the absorption of ammonia in the intestines and promotes its excretion through the stool. This intervention is crucial in preventing the development or progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) may be necessary to manage ascites, but it is not the priority over lactulose in this scenario. Monitoring the client's weight (Choice C) is important to assess fluid retention but is not the first intervention required. Assessing the client's neurological status (Choice D) is essential in cirrhosis, but administering lactulose takes precedence to prevent hepatic encephalopathy.
4. A client with DM is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Give the client a glass of orange juice.
- B. Administer insulin as ordered.
- C. Check the client's blood glucose level.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action when a client with DM is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia is to check the client's blood glucose level. This step is crucial to confirm hypoglycemia before initiating any treatment. Giving the client orange juice (Choice A) is a common intervention for treating hypoglycemia, but it should not be done before confirming the blood glucose level. Administering insulin (Choice B) is not appropriate for hypoglycemia as it would further decrease the blood glucose levels. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) can be important, but the immediate priority is to assess the blood glucose level to guide treatment.
5. Where does fertilization normally occur?
- A. Ampulla
- B. Interstitial portion
- C. Isthmus
- D. Infundibulum
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. The ampulla provides the ideal environment for fertilization due to the presence of cilia that help transport the egg and sperm, as well as the nourishing fluid within this region. The interstitial portion, isthmus, and infundibulum of the fallopian tube are not the primary sites for fertilization. The interstitial portion connects the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity, the isthmus is the narrowest part near the uterus, and the infundibulum is the funnel-shaped end near the ovary, where the egg is captured after ovulation.