HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A teenager presents to the emergency department with palpitations after vaping at a party. The client is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse anticipate the client developing?
- A. Metabolic alkalosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation from anxiety or fear causes an excessive loss of CO2, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This shift in pH results from the rapid, shallow breathing that reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Respiratory acidosis would occur in cases of poor ventilation or CO2 retention, while metabolic acidosis/alkalosis relates to disturbances in bicarbonate, not breathing patterns. Therefore, in this case, the client's hyperventilation due to anxiety would likely result in respiratory alkalosis, making option B the correct choice.
2. A client is receiving meperidine (Demerol) for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?
- A. Constipation
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a severe side effect of meperidine (Demerol) that necessitates immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Constipation, drowsiness, and nausea are common but less urgent side effects that do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. Respiratory depression can lead to respiratory arrest and must be addressed promptly to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
3. The nurse is conducting intake interviews of children at a city clinic. Which child is most susceptible to contracting lead poisoning?
- A. An 8-year-old living in a housing project.
- B. A 2-year-old playing on aging playground equipment.
- C. An adolescent working in a paint factory.
- D. A 10-year-old with Type 1 diabetes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Young children, like the 2-year-old playing on aging playground equipment, are more susceptible to lead poisoning from environmental sources due to their behaviors like hand-to-mouth contact and exploratory behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to be at high risk for lead poisoning compared to young children due to differences in exposure levels and behaviors related to potential sources of lead contamination.
4. Which hormone is released from the testes?
- A. Progesterone
- B. Vasopressin
- C. Testosterone
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone produced in the testes. Progesterone is a female sex hormone primarily produced in the ovaries, not in the testes. Vasopressin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland to regulate water balance in the body, not produced by the testes. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
5. A client with acute pancreatitis is prescribed nothing by mouth (NPO). What should the nurse prioritize in this client's care?
- A. Administer oral pain medication.
- B. Monitor the client's intake and output.
- C. Monitor the client for signs of infection.
- D. Insert a nasogastric tube for decompression.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the client's intake and output. When a client with acute pancreatitis is prescribed nothing by mouth (NPO), the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client's intake and output. This is crucial for assessing the client's fluid balance and ensuring that they are not becoming dehydrated or developing complications related to fluid status. Option A is incorrect because oral pain medication should not be administered to a client who is NPO. Option C is not the priority at this time, although monitoring for infection is important in the overall care of the client. Option D is not the initial priority unless there are specific indications for decompression, which would be determined by the healthcare provider.