HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. A patient with acute congestive heart failure is receiving high doses of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. Suspecting hyponatremia, what additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this patient if hyponatremia were present?
- A. Dry skin
- B. Decreased urinary output
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Increased specific gravity of the urine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a patient with hyponatremia, hyperactive bowel sounds are expected due to increased gastrointestinal motility. Dry skin (Choice A) is not a typical sign of hyponatremia. Decreased urinary output (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or renal issues, not specifically hyponatremia. Increased specific gravity of the urine (Choice D) is a sign of concentrated urine, which is not a characteristic finding in hyponatremia.
2. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory findings would be expected?
- A. Decreased blood glucose levels
- B. Decreased urine ketones
- C. Increased serum bicarbonate
- D. Increased anion gap
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is an excess of ketone bodies produced due to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy, leading to metabolic acidosis. An increased anion gap is a characteristic laboratory finding in DKA. The increased anion gap is a result of the accumulation of ketoacids and lactic acid in the blood, contributing to metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is an increased anion gap. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated, urine ketones are increased due to the breakdown of fatty acids, and serum bicarbonate is usually decreased as it is consumed in an attempt to buffer the acidosis.
3. Which of the following best describes the nurse's role in patient education?
- A. The nurse is responsible for providing patients with information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
- B. The nurse provides education to the patient and their family to help them understand the care plan and make informed decisions.
- C. The nurse is responsible for providing patients with written materials to help them understand their condition and treatment options.
- D. The nurse provides patients with verbal and written instructions on how to manage their care at home.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse's role in patient education involves providing patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care. This includes explaining treatment options, potential risks and benefits, and answering any questions the patient may have. Choice B is incorrect because while nurses do educate patients and families, the primary focus is on empowering patients to make informed decisions. Choice C is incorrect as providing written materials is a part of patient education but not the sole responsibility of the nurse. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses do provide instructions on managing care at home, patient education goes beyond just the home care aspect to encompass a broader understanding of the patient's condition and treatment.
4. Dr. Kennedy prescribes glipizide (Glucotrol), an oral antidiabetic agent, for a male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been having trouble controlling the blood glucose level through diet and exercise. Which medication instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Be sure to take glipizide 30 minutes before meals.
- B. Glipizide may cause a low serum sodium level, so make sure you have your sodium level checked monthly.
- C. You won't need to check your blood glucose level after you start taking glipizide.
- D. Take glipizide after a meal to prevent heartburn.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Glipizide should be taken 30 minutes before meals to maximize its glucose-lowering effect.
5. Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, Nurse Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105°F (40.5°C), tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?
- A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
- B. Thyroid crisis
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Tetany
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid crisis. Thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm, is a life-threatening condition that can occur after a thyroidectomy. Symptoms include high fever, tachycardia, extreme restlessness, and other signs of severe hyperthyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (choice A) is a complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, not typically seen post-thyroidectomy. Hypoglycemia (choice C) is low blood sugar levels and would not present with the symptoms described. Tetany (choice D) is a condition of involuntary muscle spasms due to low calcium levels and is not directly related to the symptoms observed in this scenario.
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