HESI RN
Community Health HESI
1. A male client who has been taking propranolol (Inderal) for 18 months tells the nurse the healthcare provider discontinued the medication because his blood pressure has been normal for the past three months. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Abruptly stop the medication.
- B. Continue the medication at the same dose.
- C. Ask the healthcare provider about tapering the drug dose over the next week.
- D. Increase the dose of the medication.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Gradually tapering the dose over one to two weeks should be recommended to prevent rebound tachycardia, hypertension, and ventricular dysrhythmias.
2. In a patient with diabetes mellitus, which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
- A. Polydipsia.
- B. Polyuria.
- C. Sweating.
- D. Dry skin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sweating is a common sign of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause sweating as a response to the perceived danger. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination) are actually more commonly associated with hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Dry skin is not typically a sign of hypoglycemia.
3. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?
- A. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- B. Take the medication at the same time every day to maintain consistent thyroid levels.
- C. Expect increased sensitivity to cold as a side effect of the medication.
- D. Increase the dosage of levothyroxine if symptoms worsen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Levothyroxine should be taken at the same time every day to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels and ensure effective management of hypothyroidism. Consistent dosing is critical for preventing fluctuations in hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Choice C is incorrect because increased sensitivity to cold is not a common side effect of levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because adjusting the dosage without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous and should not be done independently.
4. A 46-year-old male client who had a myocardial infarction 24 hours ago comes to the nurse's station fully dressed and wanting to go home. He tells the nurse that he is feeling much better at this time. Based on this behavior, which nursing problem should the nurse formulate?
- A. Ineffective coping related to denial.
- B. Risk for impaired cardiac function.
- C. Noncompliance related to lack of knowledge.
- D. Anxiety related to hospitalization.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ineffective coping related to denial. The client's desire to leave the hospital shortly after a myocardial infarction despite the severity of the condition indicates denial and ineffective coping. This behavior could lead to complications as the client may not adequately address his health needs. Choice B, Risk for impaired cardiac function, is not the most appropriate nursing problem in this scenario as the client's behavior is more indicative of psychological coping issues rather than a direct physiological risk at this moment. Choice C, Noncompliance related to lack of knowledge, does not align with the client's behavior of wanting to leave the hospital. Choice D, Anxiety related to hospitalization, may not be the best option as the client's behavior is more suggestive of denial rather than anxiety about being hospitalized.
5. What information should a nurse discuss with the mother of a 2-year-old girl who is drinking sweetened soda from her bottle?
- A. Encouraging 2-word phrases in speech development for a 2-year-old
- B. Explaining the association between drinking soda and dental caries
- C. Discussing the link between drinking soda and childhood obesity
- D. Emphasizing the importance of toddlers sleeping 10 hours a night
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is explaining the association between drinking soda and dental caries. Soda consumption can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so it is crucial to educate the mother about this to prevent dental issues in the child.