HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Test
1. Upon admission, a female client with breast cancer, liver, and spine metastases presents with constant, severe pain despite the continuous use of oxycodone (Percodan) and amitriptyline (Elavil) at home for pain management. What information is most crucial for the nurse to gather during the admission assessment?
- A. Sensory pattern, area, intensity, and nature of the pain.
- B. Identification of trigger points through palpation and manual pressure on painful areas.
- C. Current schedule and total dosages of medications used for breakthrough pain.
- D. Assessment of sympathetic responses indicative of acute pain onset.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most critical information for the nurse to obtain during the admission assessment of a client with severe pain due to breast cancer metastasis to the liver and spine is the sensory pattern, area, intensity, and nature of the pain. Understanding these details is essential to tailor appropriate pain management therapy effectively. By assessing the sensory pattern, area, intensity, and nature of pain, the nurse can better determine the underlying cause and choose the most suitable interventions to address the client's pain and improve their quality of life. Trigger points, medication dosages, and sympathetic responses are also important aspects of pain assessment but understanding the sensory aspects of pain is fundamental for providing optimal care in this scenario.
2. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who will receive digoxin to treat a cardiac dysrhythmia. The patient takes hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and reports regular use of over-the-counter laxatives. Before administering the first dose of digoxin, the nurse will review the patient’s electrolytes with careful attention to the levels of which electrolytes?
- A. Calcium and magnesium
- B. Sodium and calcium
- C. Potassium and chloride
- D. Potassium and magnesium
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Before administering digoxin, the nurse must review the patient's electrolyte levels, focusing on potassium and magnesium. Hypomagnesemia, similar to hypokalemia, can enhance the action of digitalis and lead to digitalis toxicity. Laxatives and diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, can deplete both potassium and magnesium. Therefore, monitoring these electrolytes is crucial to prevent potential adverse effects associated with digoxin therapy. Choice A (Calcium and magnesium) is incorrect because calcium levels are not specifically mentioned as crucial for digoxin therapy. Choice B (Sodium and calcium) is incorrect as sodium is not typically monitored in relation to digoxin therapy. Choice C (Potassium and chloride) is incorrect because although potassium is vital, chloride is not typically associated with digoxin therapy.
3. A 20-year-old female client calls the nurse to report a lump she found in her breast. Which response is the best for the nurse to provide?
- A. Check it again in one month, and if it is still there schedule an appointment.
- B. Most lumps are benign, but it is always best to come in for an examination.
- C. Try not to worry too much about it, because usually, most lumps are benign.
- D. If you are in your menstrual period it is not a good time to check for lumps.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse advising the client to come in provides the best response because it addresses the client's anxiety most effectively and encourages prompt and immediate action for a potential problem.
4. A 60-year-old female client with a positive family history of ovarian cancer has developed an abdominal mass and is being evaluated for possible ovarian cancer. Her Papanicolau (Pap) smear results are negative. What information should the nurse include in the client’s teaching plan?
- A. Pap smear is sufficient to detect ovarian cancer
- B. Surgery is unnecessary based on negative Pap smear
- C. Further evaluation involving surgery may be needed
- D. No further tests are needed
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A negative Pap smear does not rule out ovarian cancer, which often requires more comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies or surgery. The client should be informed that the Pap smear primarily detects cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer. Therefore, further evaluation involving imaging studies or surgery may be necessary to determine the presence of ovarian cancer. Choice A is incorrect because a Pap smear is not sufficient to detect ovarian cancer. Choice B is incorrect because surgery may be necessary for further evaluation if ovarian cancer is suspected. Choice D is incorrect because further tests are needed to confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.
5. How should the nurse prepare the body of a deceased adult for transfer to the mortuary?
- A. Leave the body as is, no preparation needed
- B. Bathe the body and place ID tags on it
- C. Remove dentures before bathing the body
- D. Position the body with its head down and arms folded on its chest
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When preparing the body of a deceased adult for transfer to the mortuary, it is essential to bathe the body and place identification tags on it. This process ensures proper identification and respectful care of the deceased individual.