HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A nursing student is suctioning a client through a tracheostomy tube while a nurse observes. Which action by the student would prompt the nurse to intervene and demonstrate the correct procedure? Select all that apply.
- A. Setting the suction pressure to 60 mm Hg
- B. Applying suction throughout the procedure
- C. Assessing breath sounds before suctioning
- D. Placing the client in a supine position before the procedure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct suction pressure for an adult client with a tracheostomy tube is typically between 80 to 120 mm Hg. Suction should be applied intermittently during catheter withdrawal to avoid damaging the airway. Assessing breath sounds before suctioning is important to ensure the procedure is necessary. Placing the client in a supine position before suctioning can compromise their airway; instead, the head of the bed should be elevated to facilitate proper drainage and reduce the risk of aspiration. Therefore, setting the suction pressure to 60 mm Hg is incorrect and would prompt the nurse to intervene and correct the procedure.
2. The nurse is assessing an older adult with a pacemaker who leads a sedentary lifestyle. The client reports being unable to perform activities that require physical exertion. The nurse should further assess the client for which of the following?
- A. Left ventricular atrophy.
- B. Irregular heartbeats.
- C. Peripheral vascular occlusion.
- D. Pacemaker function.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Left ventricular atrophy. Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles are at risk of developing left ventricular atrophy, which can lead to decreased cardiac output during physical exertion. This condition can contribute to the client's inability to perform activities requiring physical exertion. Choice B, irregular heartbeats, may be a consideration due to the presence of a pacemaker, but the client's reported inability to perform physically exerting activities is more indicative of a structural issue like left ventricular atrophy rather than a rhythm-related problem. Peripheral vascular occlusion (Choice C) is less likely to be the cause of the client's symptoms compared to the cardiac-related issue of left ventricular atrophy. While assessing pacemaker function (Choice D) is important, the client's symptoms are more suggestive of a cardiac structural issue rather than a malfunction of the pacemaker.
3. What is the correct procedure for performing an ophthalmoscopic examination on a client's right retina?
- A. Instruct the client to focus on a distant object behind the examiner and not move their eyes during the exam.
- B. Set the ophthalmoscope on the plus 2 to 3 lens and hold it in front of the examiner's right eye.
- C. From a distance of 12 to 15 inches and slightly to the side, shine the light into the client's pupil.
- D. For optimal visualization, keep the ophthalmoscope at least 3 inches from the client's eye.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During an ophthalmoscopic examination, the client should focus on a distant object behind the examiner to dilate the pupil, and the examiner should stand at a distance of 12-15 inches away and slightly to the side. This angle allows for better visualization of the retina. Holding the ophthalmoscope firmly against the examiner's face and shining the light into the client's pupil helps examine the retina effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the client should look at a distant object, not the examiner's nose. Choice B is incorrect as the ophthalmoscope should be directed towards the client's eye, not the examiner's eye. Choice D is incorrect because keeping the ophthalmoscope at least 3 inches away may not provide an optimal view of the retina.
4. Which of the following is a common complication of hypertension?
- A. Diabetes.
- B. Heart failure.
- C. Kidney failure.
- D. Stroke.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stroke. Hypertension can lead to stroke due to the increased pressure on blood vessels in the brain, which can result in reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain tissue. While choices B (Heart failure) and C (Kidney failure) can be complications of hypertension, they are not as directly associated as stroke. Choice A, Diabetes, is not a direct complication of hypertension but rather a separate condition that can be influenced by various factors. However, stroke is more commonly linked to the increased pressure on blood vessels in the brain in individuals with hypertension.
5. A patient presents with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following diagnostic tests is the priority?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Serum electrolytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient presenting with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, the priority diagnostic test is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG can quickly identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction, guiding prompt management. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may provide some information but is not the primary test for evaluating chest pain related to myocardial infarction. A Chest X-ray can be useful in assessing lung pathologies or certain cardiac conditions; however, it does not provide immediate information on myocardial infarction, making it a secondary option in this scenario. Serum electrolytes may become important in later stages but do not offer immediate insights into myocardial infarction. Therefore, they are a lower priority compared to obtaining an ECG for timely diagnosis and intervention.
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