HESI RN
HESI Nutrition Exam
1. A nurse is reviewing a client's admission laboratory findings that indicate the client has hyponatremia. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect to be below the expected reference range?
- A. Magnesium
- B. Calcium
- C. Chloride
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chloride. Chloride levels are typically low in cases of hyponatremia, as it often accompanies sodium loss. Magnesium (choice A) is not directly related to hyponatremia. Calcium (choice B) and Potassium (choice D) levels are usually not significantly affected by hyponatremia, making them less likely to be below the expected reference range in this scenario.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer insulin
- B. Encourage increased fluid intake
- C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- D. Check blood glucose levels
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are classic signs of hyperglycemia, indicating high blood glucose levels. The priority action for the nurse is to check the client's blood glucose levels to assess the severity of hyperglycemia and determine the need for appropriate interventions. Administering insulin (Choice A) may be necessary based on the blood glucose levels but should only be done after confirming the current status. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. While monitoring for signs of dehydration (Choice C) is important in the long term, the immediate action should focus on determining the blood glucose levels first.
3. An adolescent’s mother calls the primary HCP’s office to inquire about the results of her daughter’s serum test that was drawn last week. Since it is the teenager’s 18th birthday, how should the nurse respond to this mother’s inquiry?
- A. Ask when the adolescent was last seen in the clinic
- B. Tell the mother to have the teenager call the clinic
- C. Since the serum sample was drawn last week, provide the mother with the findings
- D. Explain that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When an individual turns 18, they are considered a legal adult and have the right to privacy regarding their medical information. Therefore, the nurse should explain to the mother that without the 18-year-old's permission, the results cannot be disclosed.
4. Gilbert, age 19, is described by his parents as a 'moody child' with an onset of odd behavior around age 14, which caused him to suffer academically and socially. Gilbert has lost the ability to complete household chores, is reluctant to leave the house, and is obsessed with the locks on the windows and doors. Due to Gilbert's early and slow onset of what is now recognized as schizophrenia, his prognosis is considered:
- A. Favorable with medication
- B. In the relapse stage
- C. Improvable with psychosocial interventions
- D. To have a less positive outcome
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of early and slow onset of schizophrenia, the prognosis is generally less positive. This means that the outlook for individuals like Gilbert, who showed signs of schizophrenia at a young age, is often poorer. Option A is incorrect because while medication can help manage symptoms, the overall prognosis is still less favorable. Option B is incorrect since relapse stage typically refers to a period of worsening symptoms after initial improvement. Option C is incorrect because while psychosocial interventions can be beneficial, the underlying early and slow onset of schizophrenia indicates a less positive outcome.
5. A client who is bedridden after a stroke is at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which nursing intervention is most important in preventing this complication?
- A. Apply lotion to the skin every 4 hours.
- B. Reposition the client every 2 hours.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
- D. Massage the skin at least twice a day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Repositioning the client every 2 hours is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers in bedridden clients. This intervention helps in relieving pressure on specific areas of the body, promoting circulation, and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Applying lotion every 4 hours (Choice A) may not address the root cause of pressure ulcers. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) is beneficial for some conditions but not specifically targeted at preventing pressure ulcers. Massaging the skin at least twice a day (Choice D) can actually increase the risk of skin breakdown in individuals at risk for pressure ulcers by causing friction and shearing forces on the skin.