HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. A female client reports that her hair is becoming coarse and breaking off, the outer part of her eyebrows has disappeared, and her eyes are all puffy. Which follow-up question is best for the nurse to ask?
- A. Is there a history of female baldness in your family?
- B. Are you under any unusual stress at home or work?
- C. Do you work with hazardous chemicals?
- D. Have you noticed any changes in your fingernails?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the manifestations reported by the client, such as coarse hair, missing eyebrows, and puffy eyes, are indicative of hypothyroidism. Changes in the fingernails, such as brittle or pitted nails, can also be associated with hypothyroidism. Option A is incorrect as female baldness is not directly related to the reported symptoms. Option B is less relevant as stress typically does not cause these specific symptoms. Option C is also less relevant as exposure to hazardous chemicals would present with different symptoms.
2. The healthcare provider prescribes terbutaline (Brethine) for a client in preterm labor. Before initiating this prescription, it is most important for the LPN/LVN to assess the client for which condition?
- A. Gestational diabetes.
- B. Elevated blood pressure.
- C. Urinary tract infection.
- D. Swelling in lower extremities.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gestational diabetes. Terbutaline (Brethine) is known to cause hyperglycemia, so it is crucial to assess for gestational diabetes before administering it. Assessing for elevated blood pressure (choice B), urinary tract infection (choice C), or swelling in lower extremities (choice D) is not directly related to the potential side effect of terbutaline in causing hyperglycemia.
3. A client is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and is to be treated with streptokinase (Streptase). A nurse would report which priority data collection finding to the registered nurse before initiating this therapy?
- A. Adventitious breath sounds
- B. Temperature of 99.4°F orally
- C. Blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg
- D. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Streptokinase therapy is contraindicated in severe uncontrolled hypertension due to the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. A blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg indicates severe hypertension, which needs to be addressed before initiating streptokinase to prevent potential complications.
4. When reinforcing information about the use of corticosteroids in treating asthma in children, which statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching?
- A. My child should take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.
- B. I will rinse my child's mouth after each use of the inhaler.
- C. I should discontinue the medication if my child seems better.
- D. Corticosteroids are used for quick relief during an asthma attack.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers is crucial as it helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect associated with these medications. This practice reduces the risk of developing fungal infections in the mouth and throat, maintaining optimal oral health during asthma treatment.
5. A client with acute kidney injury has a blood pressure of 76/55 mm Hg. The health care provider ordered 1000 mL of normal saline to be infused over 1 hour to maintain perfusion. The client is starting to develop shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP).
- B. Ask for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter.
- C. Take the client’s pulse.
- D. Slow down the normal saline infusion.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client may be developing fluid overload and respiratory distress due to the rapid normal saline infusion. The priority action is to slow down the infusion to prevent worsening respiratory distress and potential fluid overload. While calculating the mean arterial pressure (MAP) is important to assess perfusion, addressing the immediate respiratory distress takes precedence. Inserting a pulmonary artery catheter would provide detailed hemodynamic information but is not the initial step in managing acute respiratory distress. Monitoring vital signs, including the client's pulse, is crucial after adjusting the intravenous infusion to ensure a safe response to the intervention.