HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. Alteplase recombinant, or tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), a thrombolytic enzyme, is administered during the first 6 hours after onset of myocardial infarction (MI) to:
- A. Control chest pain.
- B. Reduce coronary artery vasospasm.
- C. Control the arrhythmias associated with MI.
- D. Revascularize the blocked coronary artery.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Alteplase recombinant, or t-PA, is a thrombolytic enzyme used to dissolve clots and revascularize the blocked coronary artery in patients experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI). Administering t-PA within the first 6 hours of MI onset is crucial to restore blood flow to the affected area and minimize cardiac tissue damage. Therefore, the correct answer is to revascularize the blocked coronary artery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while controlling chest pain, reducing coronary artery vasospasm, and managing arrhythmias are important goals in managing MI, the primary purpose of administering t-PA within the first 6 hours is to restore blood flow by dissolving clots and revascularizing the blocked coronary artery.
2. A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication:
- A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
- B. May lead to oliguria
- C. May cause irritability and anxiety
- D. Sometimes alters consciousness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias when taking digoxin, making potassium intake crucial. Digoxin toxicity is more likely in patients with low potassium levels, leading to an increased risk of dysrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypokalemia in combination with digoxin is primarily associated with dysrhythmias rather than oliguria, irritability, anxiety, or alteration of consciousness.
3. A nurse is planning a community health fair to promote cardiovascular health. Which activity should be included to best engage participants?
- A. free blood pressure screenings
- B. lectures on heart-healthy diets
- C. distribution of pamphlets on heart disease
- D. cooking demonstrations of healthy recipes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Offering free blood pressure screenings should be included in the community health fair to best engage participants. This activity provides immediate, valuable information about participants' cardiovascular health. Blood pressure screenings are interactive, engaging, and offer personalized insights that can motivate individuals to take action towards improving their heart health. Lectures on heart-healthy diets, distribution of pamphlets, and cooking demonstrations, although beneficial, may not have the same level of immediate impact and engagement as the hands-on experience of getting one's blood pressure checked.
4. A client admitted from a nursing home after several recent falls needs a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. What should the nurse complete first?
- A. Obtain urine sample for culture and sensitivity.
- B. Administer intravenous antibiotics.
- C. Encourage protein intake and additional fluids.
- D. Consult physical therapy for gait training.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention is to obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. Older adults with recent falls may have atypical symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI), which can present as new-onset confusion or falling. It is crucial to rule out UTI before initiating antibiotics. While administering antibiotics, encouraging protein intake, fluids, and consulting physical therapy are important interventions, they should follow the urine sample collection to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
5. A client with hypertension is prescribed a calcium channel blocker. Which client statement indicates that further teaching is needed?
- A. ‘I will take my medication at the same time every day.’
- B. ‘I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on this medication.’
- C. ‘I should increase my intake of calcium-rich foods.’
- D. ‘I should reduce my fluid intake to control my blood pressure.’
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The statement ‘I should reduce my fluid intake to control my blood pressure’ indicates a misunderstanding. It is important to note that fluid restriction is not typically necessary when taking calcium channel blockers. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate good understanding of medication adherence, dietary precautions, and nutrition recommendations when taking a calcium channel blocker, making them incorrect choices for further teaching.