HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. A middle-aged adult with a family history of CAD has the following: total cholesterol 198 (11 mmol/L); LDL cholesterol 120 (6.7 mmol/L); HDL cholesterol 58 (3.2 mmol/L); triglycerides 148 (8.2 mmol/L); blood sugar 102 (5.7 mmol/L); and C-reactive protein (CRP) 4.2. The health care provider prescribes a statin medication and aspirin. The client asks the nurse why these medications are needed. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. The labs indicate severe hyperlipidemia and the medications will lower your LDL, along with a low-fat diet.
- B. The triglycerides are elevated and will not return to normal without these medications.
- C. The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed.
- D. These medications will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: CRP is a marker of inflammation, which is elevated in cardiovascular disease. Statins and aspirin help lower CRP and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. How can a nurse make a blind 8-year-old girl admitted to the hospital more comfortable?
- A. Bring familiar toys from home, such as a bear or doll.
- B. Explain the surroundings to the child.
- C. Allow the child to explore the room.
- D. Provide audio books and music.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to bring familiar toys from home, such as a bear or doll. This action provides comfort and a sense of security for the child, as it allows her to have familiar objects around her in an unfamiliar environment, which can help reduce anxiety and stress during her hospital stay.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has constipation about a high-fiber diet. Which of the following foods should be included as sources of fiber? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Kidney beans
- B. Strawberries
- C. Peanut butter
- D. Whole wheat bread
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Peanut butter. While kidney beans, strawberries, and whole wheat bread are high-fiber foods that help alleviate constipation, peanut butter is not a significant source of fiber. Peanut butter is more known for its protein and healthy fats content rather than being a good source of dietary fiber. Therefore, it should not be included as a primary recommendation for a high-fiber diet in the context of addressing constipation.
4. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has had a stroke. Which intervention should the nurse recommend to prevent aspiration during meals?
- A. Encourage the client to take large bites of food
- B. Advise the client to eat quickly to prevent fatigue
- C. Offer the client thin liquids with meals
- D. Instruct the client to sit upright while eating
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Instructing the client to sit upright while eating is crucial to prevent aspiration in stroke clients. This position helps in safe swallowing and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. Encouraging the client to take large bites of food (Choice A) can increase the risk of choking and aspiration. Advising the client to eat quickly (Choice B) may lead to fatigue and compromise safe swallowing. Offering thin liquids (Choice C) can also increase the risk of aspiration in stroke clients, as thicker liquids are usually recommended to prevent aspiration.
5. A male client reports numbness and tingling in his fingers and around his mouth. What laboratory value should the nurse review?
- A. Capillary glucose.
- B. Serum calcium.
- C. Urine specific gravity.
- D. White blood cell count.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Serum calcium. Numbness and tingling in the fingers and around the mouth are indicative of hypocalcemia, a condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood. Reviewing the client's serum calcium levels is crucial in this situation to assess for hypocalcemia. Choice A, Capillary glucose, is incorrect because symptoms described are not typically associated with glucose abnormalities. Choice C, Urine specific gravity, and Choice D, White blood cell count, are unrelated to the symptoms presented and are not indicative of the client's condition.