HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A nurse reviews a client’s urinalysis report. Which finding does the nurse recognize as abnormal?
- A. pH of 6.0
- B. An absence of protein
- C. The presence of ketones
- D. Specific gravity of 1.018
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The presence of ketones in the urine is abnormal. Ketones in the urine may indicate a state of ketosis, which is commonly seen in uncontrolled diabetes, fasting, or a low-carbohydrate diet. A normal pH range of urine is 4.5 to 7.8, making a pH of 6.0 within the normal range. An absence of protein is a normal finding in urine, as proteinuria (presence of protein) is abnormal. A specific gravity of 1.018 falls within the normal range of 1.016 to 1.022. Therefore, the presence of ketones is the abnormal finding in this scenario.
2. A client with overflow incontinence needs assistance with elimination. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Stroke the medial aspect of the thigh.
- B. Use intermittent catheterization.
- C. Provide digital anal stimulation.
- D. Use the Valsalva maneuver.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In clients with overflow incontinence, the voiding reflex arc is impaired. The Valsalva maneuver, which involves holding the breath and bearing down as if to defecate, can help initiate voiding by applying mechanical pressure. Options A and C (stroking the thigh or anal stimulation) rely on an intact reflex arc to trigger elimination and are not effective for clients with overflow incontinence. Intermittent catheterization (Option B) is a last resort due to the high risk of infection and should only be considered if other interventions fail.
3. A nurse starts classes for clients with type 2 diabetes. Which information would the nurse use as an outcome evaluation for the class?
- A. Parking convenience for attendees continues to be a major concern.
- B. Fasting blood glucose average readings were 20% lower by the end of classes.
- C. Discussion of food exchanges and calories was a well-attended class.
- D. Demonstrating the use of a blood glucose meter was an effective teaching strategy.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A reduction in fasting blood glucose levels indicates the effectiveness of the diabetes management education provided. Monitoring blood glucose levels is a crucial aspect of diabetes management, and a decrease in average readings signifies improvement in managing blood sugar levels. Choices A, C, and D are not direct outcome evaluations related to the effectiveness of the education provided in managing diabetes. Parking convenience, attendance, and teaching strategies are not direct indicators of the impact on the clients' health outcomes.
4. During a physical assessment on a client who just had an endotracheal tube inserted, which finding would call for immediate action by the nurse?
- A. Breath sounds are auscultated bilaterally
- B. Mist is visible in the T-Piece
- C. Pulse oximetry of 88%
- D. Client is unable to speak
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. In this scenario, the priority is to address the low oxygen saturation to prevent further complications. Auscultation of bilateral breath sounds is a positive finding as it indicates air entry into both lungs. Mist in the T-piece is expected in clients with an endotracheal tube, and the inability to speak is common due to the tube's placement.
5. The nurse is instructing a client with high cholesterol about diet and life style modification. What comment from the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. If I exercise at least two times weekly for one hour, I will lower my cholesterol.
- B. I need to avoid eating proteins, including red meat.
- C. I will limit my intake of beef to 4 ounces per week.
- D. My blood level of low density lipoproteins needs to increase.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Limiting saturated fat from animal food sources to no more than 4 ounces per week is an important diet modification for lowering cholesterol. To be effective in reducing cholesterol, the client should exercise 30 minutes per day, or at least 4 to 6 times per week. Red meat and all proteins do not need to be eliminated to lower cholesterol, but should be restricted to lean cuts of red meat and smaller portions. The low density lipoproteins need to decrease rather than increase.