HESI RN
HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus arrives at the clinic reporting episodes of weakness and palpitations. Which finding should the nurse identify may indicate an emerging situation?
- A. History of hypertension
- B. Fingertips feel numb
- C. Reduced deep tendon reflexes
- D. Elevated fasting blood glucose level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Numb fingertips may suggest neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes that may indicate a worsening condition. Episodes of weakness and palpitations, combined with neuropathy symptoms, could also suggest hypoglycemia or poor glycemic control, requiring further investigation. The other choices are less likely to be directly related to the client's current symptoms. While a history of hypertension is a common comorbidity in clients with diabetes, it may not directly explain the reported weakness and palpitations. Reduced deep tendon reflexes are more indicative of certain neurological conditions rather than acute emerging situations related to the client's current symptoms. An elevated fasting blood glucose level is expected in a client with type 2 diabetes and may not be the primary indicator of an emerging situation in this context.
2. Which female reproductive organ is positioned directly posterior to the bladder?
- A. Uterine tube
- B. Vagina
- C. Uterus
- D. Ovaries
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the uterus. The uterus is positioned directly posterior to the bladder in the female reproductive system. The uterine tube (choice A) is also known as the fallopian tube, which is not positioned directly posterior to the bladder. The vagina (choice B) is located below the uterus and not directly posterior to the bladder. The ovaries (choice D) are located on either side of the uterus, but they are not positioned directly posterior to the bladder.
3. A 35-year-old female client has just been admitted to the post-anesthesia recovery unit following a partial thyroidectomy. Which statement reflects the nurse's accurate understanding of the expected outcome for the client following this surgery?
- A. Supplemental hormonal therapy will probably be unnecessary.
- B. The thyroid will regenerate to a normal size within a few years.
- C. The client will be restricted from eating seafood.
- D. The remainder of the thyroid will be removed at a later date.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a partial thyroidectomy, the client may be advised to avoid eating seafood due to its high iodine content, which can affect the thyroid function. Choice A is incorrect because after a partial thyroidectomy, supplemental hormonal therapy may be necessary. Choice B is incorrect as the thyroid does not regenerate after a partial thyroidectomy. Choice D is incorrect; the remaining portion of the thyroid is not typically removed at a later date unless there are specific medical reasons to do so.
4. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent’s mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge
- B. Provide education about medication adherence
- C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in group therapy
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with a mental health professional
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.
5. A client with DM is being taught about the importance of foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
- B. Avoid walking barefoot.
- C. Soak your feet in hot water every night.
- D. Wear tight shoes to protect your feet.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid walking barefoot. This recommendation is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent foot injuries and infections. Walking barefoot can lead to unnoticed wounds or ulcers due to reduced sensation in the feet (neuropathy) common in diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as heating pads can cause burns and should be avoided. Choice C is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can also lead to burns and skin damage. Choice D is incorrect as tight shoes can increase the risk of pressure sores and restrict blood flow, which is detrimental for individuals with diabetes.