HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A nursing assistant is measuring the blood pressure (BP) of a hypertensive client while a nurse observes. Which action on the part of the assistant would interfere with accurate measurement and prompt the nurse to intervene? Select all that apply.
- A. Measuring the BP after the client has sat quietly for 5 minutes
- B. Having the client sit with the arm bared and supported at heart level
- C. Using a cuff with a rubber bladder that encircles less than 80% of the limb
- D. Measuring the BP after the client reports that he just drank a cup of coffee
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To ensure accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement, the cuff used should have a rubber bladder that encircles at least 80% of the limb being measured. This ensures proper compression and accurate readings. Choices A and B are correct practices as it is recommended to measure BP after the client has sat quietly for 5 minutes and to have the client sit with the arm bared and supported at heart level. Choice D is also a correct reason for intervention as the client should not have consumed caffeine or smoked tobacco within 30 minutes before BP measurement, as it can affect the accuracy of the reading.
2. A client admitted from a nursing home after several recent falls needs a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. What should the nurse complete first?
- A. Obtain urine sample for culture and sensitivity.
- B. Administer intravenous antibiotics.
- C. Encourage protein intake and additional fluids.
- D. Consult physical therapy for gait training.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention is to obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. Older adults with recent falls may have atypical symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI), which can present as new-onset confusion or falling. It is crucial to rule out UTI before initiating antibiotics. While administering antibiotics, encouraging protein intake, fluids, and consulting physical therapy are important interventions, they should follow the urine sample collection to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
3. A client is being discharged after lithotripsy for a urinary calculus. Which statements should the nurse include in the discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Finish the prescribed antibiotic even if you are feeling better.
- B. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid each day.
- C. The bruising on your back may take several weeks to resolve.
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: After lithotripsy for a urinary calculus, it is important for the client to complete the prescribed antibiotic course to prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking at least 3 liters of fluid daily helps dilute stone-forming crystals, prevent dehydration, and promote urine flow. Bruising on the back may occur after the procedure and can take several weeks to resolve. Additionally, the client may experience blood in the urine for several days post-procedure. Reporting any pain, fever, chills, or urination difficulties to the healthcare provider is essential, as these symptoms could indicate infection or stone formation. Choice D is correct as all the statements are appropriate for the client's discharge teaching. Choices A, B, and C are individually correct based on the rationale provided, making D the correct answer.
4. A client tells the clinic nurse about experiencing burning on urination, and assessment reveals that the client had sexual intercourse four days ago with a person who was casually met. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Observe the perineal area for a chancroid-like lesion
- B. Obtain a specimen of urethral drainage for culture
- C. Assess for perineal itching, erythema, and excoriation
- D. Identify all sexual partners in the last four days
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining a urethral drainage specimen for culture is crucial in diagnosing a potential sexually transmitted infection (STI) in this client. While assessing for perineal symptoms like itching, erythema, and excoriation (Choice C) may provide additional information, obtaining a culture is more definitive. Observing for a chancroid-like lesion (Choice A) is not as pertinent as obtaining a culture for a broader diagnostic approach. Identifying all sexual partners in the last four days (Choice D) is important for contact tracing but obtaining a specimen for culture takes priority in this scenario.
5. In a patient with pneumonia, what is the primary goal of treatment?
- A. Reducing inflammation.
- B. Eliminating the infection.
- C. Reducing pain.
- D. Preventing complications.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of treating pneumonia is to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics are commonly used to target the specific pathogen causing pneumonia. While reducing inflammation and preventing complications are important aspects of treatment, the key focus initially is on eradicating the infectious agent to improve the patient's condition and prevent further spread of the infection.
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