HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023
1. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with a history of hypertension who is currently taking a diuretic. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
- B. Blood pressure of 148/90 mmHg
- C. Pulse rate of 62 beats per minute
- D. Blood glucose level of 130 mg/dl
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is low and places the client at risk for cardiac arrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention. Hypokalemia can result from diuretic use and can lead to serious complications such as irregular heart rhythms. Monitoring and correcting potassium levels are crucial in preventing adverse cardiac events. The other options, though important, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the low potassium level.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to prevent infection?
- A. Maintain a closed drainage system
- B. Cleanse the catheter insertion site daily
- C. Increase the client's fluid intake
- D. Empty the collection bag every 4 hours
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a closed drainage system. This action is crucial in preventing infection as it helps prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract. While cleansing the catheter insertion site and ensuring adequate hydration are important aspects of catheter care, the top priority is maintaining the integrity of the closed system to prevent infection. Emptying the collection bag regularly is also important but not as critical as ensuring a closed drainage system to minimize infection risk.
3. The healthcare provider is assessing the laboratory results for a client who is admitted with renal failure and osteodystrophy. Which findings are consistent with this client's clinical picture?
- A. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L and total calcium of 9 mg/dL.
- B. White blood cell count of 15,000/mm3.
- C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L and total calcium of 6 mg/dL.
- D. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and phosphorus of 2 mg/dL.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In renal failure and osteodystrophy, there is an alteration in serum electrolyte balance. The correct answer is serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L and total calcium of 6 mg/dL. Renal failure is associated with hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium) and hypocalcemia (low total calcium levels). Hyperphosphatemia is also commonly seen in renal failure. Choice A is incorrect as it describes normal levels of serum potassium and total calcium. Choice B is unrelated to the client's condition. Choice D is incorrect as it does not reflect the typical electrolyte imbalances seen in renal failure and osteodystrophy.
4. The nurse is assessing a client with right-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Jugular venous distention
- B. Peripheral edema
- C. Crackles in the lungs
- D. Elevated liver enzymes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with right-sided heart failure, crackles in the lungs are the most concerning finding as they indicate pulmonary congestion, which requires immediate intervention. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potential respiratory distress. Jugular venous distention (Choice A) and peripheral edema (Choice B) are common findings in right-sided heart failure but do not indicate acute deterioration requiring immediate intervention. Elevated liver enzymes (Choice D) may be seen in chronic heart failure but do not warrant immediate action compared to the urgent need to address pulmonary congestion indicated by crackles in the lungs.
5. What is one role of the hormone estrogen?
- A. Stimulates the development of the milk-producing tissue.
- B. Stimulates the production of lactoferrin.
- C. Stimulates the development of the nipple and duct system in the breast.
- D. Stimulates the secretion of relaxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Estrogen stimulates the development of the milk-producing tissue in the breast. This hormone is essential in preparing the breast for milk production. Choice B is incorrect because lactoferrin production is not a primary role of estrogen. Choice C is incorrect as estrogen primarily influences the development of the breast tissue rather than specifically the nipple and duct system. Choice D is incorrect because relaxin secretion is not a function typically associated with estrogen.