HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. After surgery, a patient has decreased cardiac output. What is a likely observation by the nurse?
- A. Decreased urine output
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Flushing of the skin
- D. Hyperventilation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A decrease in cardiac output can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in decreased urine output. The kidneys rely on adequate blood supply to filter waste and produce urine. Therefore, a decreased urine output is a common observation when cardiac output is reduced. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increased urine output is not typically associated with decreased cardiac output; flushing of the skin is more related to vasodilation, and hyperventilation is not directly linked to decreased cardiac output.
2. The public health nurse is evaluating resources in a rural community. Which healthcare resource is most important for the community?
- A. family planning center
- B. accessibility to trauma care
- C. annual health fair
- D. weather-related disaster plan
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In rural areas, accessibility to trauma care is the most critical healthcare resource due to the longer emergency response times. Trauma care can be life-saving in situations where immediate medical attention is required for severe injuries. The other options, such as a family planning center, annual health fair, and weather-related disaster plan, are important but not as crucial as trauma care in addressing urgent health needs in a rural community.
3. Which hormone is detected in pregnancy tests?
- A. Estrogen
- B. Progesterone
- C. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hCG, which can be detected in the urine or blood to confirm pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone are also essential hormones in pregnancy but are not typically used for pregnancy tests. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is involved in the menstrual cycle and ovulation, not pregnancy.
4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
- B. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
- C. Liver function tests
- D. Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Liver function tests. Methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, making it essential to closely monitor liver function tests in clients receiving this medication. Monitoring white blood cell count, hemoglobin, or platelet count is not specifically required for methotrexate therapy and would not provide relevant information regarding potential adverse effects of the medication.
5. A solid ball of 12-16 cells having undergone mitotic division after fertilization is:
- A. Zygote
- B. Blastomere
- C. Morula
- D. Blastocyst
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A morula is a stage in embryonic development where a solid ball of 12-16 cells is formed after several rounds of mitotic division following fertilization. The zygote is the initial cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg. Blastomere refers to individual cells in a developing embryo. A blastocyst is a later stage where a fluid-filled cavity forms within the embryo. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Morula.'