a nurse has a prescription to insert a nasogastric tube into the stomach of an assigned client which action should the nurse take to insert the tube s
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HESI RN

HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam

1. A nurse has a prescription to insert a nasogastric tube into the stomach of an assigned client. Which action should the nurse take to insert the tube safely and easily?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to insert a nasogastric tube safely and easily is asking the client to swallow as the tube is being advanced. This action helps facilitate the passage of the tube through the esophagus into the stomach. Placing the tube in warm water (Choice A) is not a recommended practice for nasogastric tube insertion. Hyperextending the head (Choice B) can cause discomfort and is not necessary for safe insertion. Removing the tube if resistance is met (Choice C) is incorrect as it may cause harm or discomfort to the client. Asking the client to swallow helps the tube pass more smoothly and comfortably.

2. The client has had a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery 6 hours ago. Which assessment provides the most accurate information about the client's postoperative status?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assessing the dorsalis pedis pulse is crucial after a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery to determine adequate circulation distal to the surgical site. A strong dorsalis pedis pulse indicates sufficient blood flow to the foot, which is essential for monitoring postoperative status. The radial pulse (A) is not the most relevant assessment as it does not provide direct information on circulation in the lower extremities. The femoral pulse (B) may not accurately reflect circulation distal to the surgical site. The apical pulse (C) is used primarily to assess the heartbeat and cardiac function, not circulation in the lower extremities.

3. A nurse reviews a female client’s laboratory results. Which result from the client’s urinalysis should the nurse recognize as abnormal?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ketone bodies present. Ketone bodies in urine indicate abnormal metabolism, specifically the incomplete breakdown of fatty acids. Normally, there should be no ketones present in urine. Ketone bodies are produced when the body uses fat sources instead of glucose for cellular energy. A pH range between 4.6 and 8, a specific gravity between 1.005 and 1.030, and clear yellow color in urine are considered normal findings for a female client’s urinalysis. Therefore, options A, C, and D are within normal ranges and not indicative of abnormal results in the urinalysis.

4. Which of the following is a common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Smoking is the correct answer as it is a well-established common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking leads to long-term damage to the lungs, contributing to the development of COPD. Choice B, asthma, is not a cause but a separate respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Allergies, choice C, are not a direct cause of COPD but can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with existing COPD. Chronic bronchitis, choice D, is a type of COPD, not a cause of COPD itself, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

5. In a patient with cirrhosis, which of the following lab results is most concerning?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a patient with cirrhosis, a low platelet count is the most concerning lab result. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is common in cirrhosis due to impaired platelet production in the liver. It significantly increases the risk of bleeding and can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhage. Elevated liver enzymes (Choice A) are expected in cirrhosis but may not directly indicate the severity of the disease. Low albumin levels (Choice B) are common in cirrhosis and can contribute to fluid retention but do not pose an immediate risk of bleeding. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice C) are also expected in cirrhosis and typically indicate impaired liver function but do not directly increase the risk of bleeding as much as a low platelet count.

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