HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A client is being taught about self-catheterization in the home setting. Which statements should the nurse include in this client’s teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Wash your hands before and after self-catheterization.
- B. Use lubricant on the tip of the catheter before insertion.
- C. A & B
- D. Self-catheterize at least twice a day or every 12 hours.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In teaching a client about self-catheterization, it is essential to emphasize proper hand hygiene before and after the procedure to prevent infections. Using lubricant on the catheter helps with insertion and reduces discomfort. Therefore, statements A and B are correct and should be included in the client's teaching. Option D is incorrect because self-catheterization frequency should be individualized based on the client's needs, and a specific time frame like every 12 hours may not be suitable for everyone. Choosing a smaller lumen catheter is preferred over a larger one. Self-catheterization should not be limited to a specific time frame but should be based on the individual's needs and voiding patterns. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it includes the two essential statements for teaching self-catheterization in the home setting.
2. In a 46-year-old female client admitted for acute renal failure secondary to diabetes and hypertension, which test is the best indicator of adequate glomerular filtration?
- A. Serum creatinine.
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
- C. Sedimentation rate.
- D. Urine specific gravity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine. Creatinine is a product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the glomerulus. Blood levels of creatinine are not affected by dietary or fluid intake, making it a reliable indicator of kidney function. An elevated creatinine level strongly suggests nephron loss, indicating decreased glomerular filtration rate. Choice B, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), reflects the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood and can be influenced by factors other than kidney function, such as protein intake and liver health, making it less specific for evaluating glomerular filtration. Choice C, Sedimentation rate, is a measure of how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube and is not a direct marker of kidney function. Choice D, Urine specific gravity, mainly reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is not a direct indicator of glomerular filtration rate. Therefore, Serum creatinine is the most appropriate test to assess glomerular filtration in this scenario.
3. A client is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid). The nurse instructs the client to notify the health care provider (HCP) if which of the following occurs?
- A. Fatigue
- B. Tremors
- C. Cold intolerance
- D. Excessively dry skin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tremors are a sign of excessive doses of levothyroxine, indicating hyperthyroidism. It is important for the client to report tremors to the healthcare provider to prevent complications associated with overdosing on levothyroxine.
4. A 2-year-old child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is being treated in the hospital. What should the healthcare provider monitor for in this child?
- A. Increased urine output.
- B. Decreased respiratory rate.
- C. Labored breathing.
- D. Improved appetite.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Labored breathing is a critical sign of worsening respiratory distress in children with RSV. It indicates that the child's condition may be deteriorating, requiring prompt intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure. Monitoring for labored breathing allows healthcare providers to promptly assess and manage the child's respiratory status, potentially preventing further complications associated with RSV infection.
5. The school nurse is preparing a presentation on the importance of physical activity for elementary school students. Which benefit should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Improved academic performance
- B. Increased social interactions
- C. Enhanced physical strength
- D. Better sleep patterns
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Improved academic performance. Physical activity has been shown to improve academic performance by enhancing concentration and cognitive function. This benefit is particularly important for elementary school students who are developing foundational skills. Choice B, increased social interactions, while important for overall development, may not directly relate to the academic aspect that the nurse is focusing on. Choice C, enhanced physical strength, is a valid benefit of physical activity but may not be as relevant to academic performance as the ability to concentrate and learn. Choice D, better sleep patterns, is also a valuable outcome of physical activity but is not as directly linked to academic performance as improved cognitive function.