HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. A healthcare professional is working in an occupational health clinic when an employee walks in and states that he was struck by lightning while working in a truck. The client is alert but reports feeling faint. Which assessment will the healthcare professional perform first?
- A. Pulse characteristics
- B. Open airway
- C. Entrance and exit wounds
- D. Cervical spine injury
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a person is struck by lightning, it can cause an electrical shock that may affect the heart rhythm. Therefore, assessing pulse characteristics is crucial as lightning can act as a natural defibrillator. Monitoring the pulse rate and regularity will help determine if there are any cardiac abnormalities that need immediate attention. Open airway, entrance and exit wounds, and cervical spine injury assessments are also important but assessing pulse characteristics takes precedence in this situation to address potential cardiac issues.
2. A client with anemia is prescribed iron supplements. What teaching should the nurse provide?
- A. Take iron supplements with meals to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Take iron supplements with milk to improve absorption.
- C. Expect black, tarry stools as a side effect of iron supplements.
- D. Take iron supplements with vitamin C to improve absorption.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Take iron supplements with vitamin C to improve absorption. Vitamin C enhances iron uptake, making it more bioavailable for the body. It is essential to avoid taking iron supplements with milk (choice B) as calcium-rich foods can hinder iron absorption. Taking iron supplements with meals (choice A) can help reduce stomach upset, but the optimal way to enhance absorption is with vitamin C. Black, tarry stools (choice C) are not a typical side effect of iron supplements and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
3. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide a client with a new colostomy regarding stoma care?
- A. Cleanse the stoma with hydrogen peroxide and water.
- B. Apply a moisture barrier cream to the peristomal skin.
- C. Measure the stoma using a stoma guide.
- D. Use a dry gauze pad to clean the stoma.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Measuring the stoma using a stoma guide (C) is crucial as it ensures that the appliance fits properly, which is essential for preventing skin irritation and leakage. Proper measurement helps in selecting the right size of the appliance, promoting comfort and optimal stoma care. In contrast, cleansing with hydrogen peroxide (A), applying a moisture barrier cream (B), and using a dry gauze pad (D) are important but not as critical as ensuring the correct fit of the stoma appliance.
4. At 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, the breast changes include:
- A. Prickling, tingling sensation.
- B. Nipples become prominent and mobile.
- C. Darkening of the nipple.
- D. Breast becomes tender.
Correct answer: F
Rationale: At 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, the breast changes typically include the onset of colostrum production, not just tenderness. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands during pregnancy. While some women may experience prickling or tingling sensations, prominent and mobile nipples, and darkening of the nipple, the key change during this time period is the production of colostrum. This substance is rich in antibodies and important for the newborn's initial nutrition. Therefore, the correct answer is not listed among the choices provided.
5. An older client with SIRS has a temperature of 101.8°F, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute. Which additional finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL
- B. Elevated WBC count
- C. Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg
- D. Oxygen saturation of 95%
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL indicates possible acute kidney injury, which can occur during severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Reporting this value promptly allows for interventions to prevent further renal damage. Elevated WBC count (choice B) is a common feature of SIRS and may not be as urgently indicative of immediate organ damage as high creatinine levels. A blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg (choice C) is relatively low but may be a typical finding in SIRS; however, renal function is critical in this context. Oxygen saturation of 95% (choice D) is within normal limits and is not as concerning as a high creatinine level in this scenario.