HESI RN
HESI Leadership and Management
1. A client with a nasogastric tube requires irrigation once every shift. The client's serum electrolyte results show a potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L and a sodium level of 132 mEq/L. Based on these findings, which solution should the nurse use for nasogastric tube irrigation?
- A. Tap water
- B. Sterile water
- C. Sodium chloride
- D. Normal saline
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct solution for nasogastric tube irrigation in this scenario is sodium chloride. The client's low sodium level of 132 mEq/L indicates the need to avoid further imbalance, making sodium chloride the most appropriate choice. Using tap water, which lacks electrolytes, or sterile water could potentially exacerbate the electrolyte imbalance. Normal saline, while similar to sodium chloride, may not be the best choice as it contains a higher concentration of sodium, which could further elevate the client's already borderline sodium level.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL
- B. Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L
- C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- D. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with left-sided heart failure as it indicates hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, which can exacerbate heart failure. Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not as immediately concerning as hyperkalemia. Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L is within the normal range. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL is also within the normal range and not directly related to the client's left-sided heart failure.
3. Which of the following makes it possible to predict the genotype and phenotype of the offspring of sexual reproduction?
- A. Punnett square
- B. Chi-square
- C. Microscope
- D. None of these
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Punnett square. A Punnett square is a tool specifically designed to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations of offspring resulting from a particular cross or breeding experiment. It helps in understanding the probability of different genotypes and phenotypes appearing in the offspring. Choice B, Chi-square, is a statistical test used to determine if there is a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in a study. Choice C, Microscope, is used for viewing tiny structures and organisms, not for predicting genetic outcomes. Choice D, None of these, is incorrect as Punnett square is a valid tool for predicting genetic outcomes in offspring.
4. A client in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is very anxious and frequently asks about her deceased parents. Which intervention should the nurse implement to reduce the client’s anxiety?
- A. Remind the client that her parents have passed away
- B. Ask the client about her favorite memories with her parents
- C. Engage the client in an activity to distract her from thinking about her parents
- D. Reorient the client to the present reality and surroundings
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Engaging the client in an activity to distract her from thinking about her deceased parents is the most appropriate intervention to reduce anxiety. This approach helps shift the focus away from distressing thoughts and can provide comfort and a sense of calm to the client.
5. While changing a client's post-operative dressing, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Given there is a positive MRSA, which is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Force oral fluids
- B. Request a nutrition consult
- C. Initiate contact precautions
- D. Limit visitors to immediate family only
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take when a client has a positive MRSA and presents with a wound showing signs of infection is to initiate contact precautions. MRSA is highly contagious and placing the patient on contact precautions helps prevent the spread of the bacteria to others in the healthcare setting. (A) Forcing oral fluids will not directly address the MRSA infection. (B) Requesting a nutrition consult is not the priority in this situation. (D) Limiting visitors to immediate family only is not necessary as MRSA precautions are primarily focused on healthcare workers and close contacts who provide direct care.