HESI RN
RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023
1. A client is getting out of bed for the first time since surgery. The client complains of dizziness after the nurse raises the head of the bed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Checking the client’s blood pressure
- B. Checking the oxygen saturation level
- C. Having the client take some deep breaths
- D. Lowering the head of the bed slowly until the dizziness is relieved
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client experiences dizziness after being positioned upright for the first time post-surgery, the initial action the nurse should take is to lower the head of the bed slowly until the dizziness subsides. This maneuver helps alleviate the dizziness by allowing the body to adapt gradually to the change in position. Subsequently, the nurse should assess the client's pulse and blood pressure. Checking the blood pressure is essential to evaluate the circulatory status and rule out orthostatic hypotension as a cause of dizziness. Checking the oxygen saturation level and having the client take deep breaths are not the priority in this scenario as the primary concern is addressing the circulatory issue causing dizziness, not a respiratory problem.
2. Practices such as female genital mutilation and unsafe male circumcision are categorized as:
- A. Harmful traditional practices
- B. Encouraged in rural Zambia
- C. Recommended in modern surgery and IRH
- D. Safer sex practices
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Practices like female genital mutilation and unsafe male circumcision are considered harmful traditional practices due to the physical and psychological harm they cause. Choice A is correct as these practices are not safe or recommended. Choice B is incorrect, as harmful traditional practices are not encouraged anywhere. Choice C is incorrect as modern surgery and organizations like IRH aim to eliminate such practices, not recommend them. Choice D is incorrect as these practices are not related to safer sex practices but rather harmful practices that need to be eradicated.
3. What is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent atelectasis from developing in a postoperative client?
- A. Maintain adequate hydration
- B. Assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough
- C. Ambulate the client within 12 hours
- D. Splint the incision
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough. This intervention helps to expand the lungs and prevent atelectasis in postoperative clients. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health but is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis. Ambulating the client within 12 hours is beneficial for preventing complications after surgery, but it may not be as directly effective in preventing atelectasis as turning, deep breathing, and coughing. Splinting the incision is important for postoperative care, but it does not specifically address the prevention of atelectasis.
4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter in a female client. Which action should the nurse take to maintain sterile technique?
- A. Apply sterile gloves before inserting the catheter
- B. Use sterile gloves to insert the catheter
- C. Clean the urinary meatus with an antiseptic solution
- D. Place the drainage bag above the level of the bladder
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Using sterile gloves to insert the catheter is crucial to maintaining sterile technique. Sterile gloves help prevent the introduction of microorganisms during the insertion process. Applying sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area (Choice A) is important but not specific to maintaining sterility during catheter insertion. Cleaning the urinary meatus with an antiseptic solution (Choice C) is a step in the catheterization process but does not solely ensure sterile technique. Placing the drainage bag above the level of the bladder (Choice D) is incorrect; the bag should be placed below the level of the bladder to facilitate urine drainage.
5. A client who is HIV positive and taking lamivudine (Epivir) calls the clinic to report a cough and fever. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Advise the client to come to the clinic for an evaluation
- B. Advise the client to increase fluid intake
- C. Advise the client to take an over-the-counter cough suppressant
- D. Advise the client to rest and call if the fever persists
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement in this situation is to advise the client to come to the clinic for an evaluation. Given the client's HIV-positive status and medication, it is crucial to assess the cough and fever promptly to identify the underlying cause. Increasing fluid intake (choice B) may be beneficial but does not address the need for evaluation. Taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant (choice C) may not be appropriate without knowing the cause of the symptoms. Advising the client to rest and call if the fever persists (choice D) delays the necessary evaluation and treatment.