HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. An adult client is admitted with flank pain and is diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit
- B. Encourage turning and deep breathing
- C. Administer IV antibiotics as prescribed
- D. Auscultate for presence of bowel sounds
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a client diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis is to administer IV antibiotics as prescribed. Acute pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection that requires prompt antibiotic therapy to prevent systemic complications and worsening of the infection. While monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit (Choice A) is important, it is not the priority in the acute phase of infection. Encouraging turning and deep breathing (Choice B) and auscultating for bowel sounds (Choice D) are relevant aspects of care but do not take precedence over initiating antibiotic treatment to address the infection promptly.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which finding is most important for the nurse to respond to first?
- A. Potassium 6.0 mEq/L.
- B. Daily urine output of 400 ml.
- C. Peripheral neuropathy.
- D. Uremic fetor.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is a critical electrolyte imbalance in clients with chronic kidney disease. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making it the priority finding to address. Choice B, a daily urine output of 400 ml, may indicate decreased kidney function but does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to hyperkalemia. Peripheral neuropathy (Choice C) and uremic fetor (Choice D) are common manifestations of CKD but are not as urgent as addressing a potentially fatal electrolyte imbalance like hyperkalemia.
3. What is a priority intervention for a patient experiencing a thyroid storm?
- A. Administering antipyretics.
- B. Cooling the patient.
- C. Administering beta-blockers.
- D. Administering antithyroid medications.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During a thyroid storm, the priority intervention is to administer antithyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels quickly. These medications, such as propylthiouracil or methimazole, help inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Administering antipyretics (choice A) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause of the thyroid storm. Cooling the patient (choice B) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the thyroid hormone dysregulation. Administering beta-blockers (choice C) can help manage symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension, but it does not target the root cause of the thyroid storm.
4. A client recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving discharge instructions from a nurse. Which statements made by the client indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
- A. I need to ask for an antibiotic when scheduling a dental appointment.
- B. I’ll need to check my blood sugar often to prevent hypoglycemia.
- C. The dose of my pain medication may have to be adjusted.
- D. The need to watch for bleeding with anticoagulants.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct statements indicating a proper understanding of the teaching include the need for antibiotics for dental work, the potential need to adjust pain medication doses, and the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels. The statement about watching for bleeding with anticoagulants is not directly related to CKD and discharge instructions for this condition. Therefore, option A is correct, as it addresses relevant concerns for a client with CKD, while the other options are either unrelated or not specifically mentioned in the scenario.
5. A client is starting urinary bladder training. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?
- A. Use the toilet when you first feel the urge, rather than at specific intervals.
- B. Try to consciously hold your urine until the scheduled toileting time.
- C. Initially try to use the toilet at least every half hour for the first 24 hours.
- D. The toileting interval can be increased once you have been continent for a week.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In urinary bladder training, the client should be taught to try to consciously hold their urine until the scheduled toileting time. This helps in training the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. Option A is incorrect because the goal is to consciously hold urine, not void immediately. Option C is incorrect as toileting at least every half hour may not promote bladder training. Option D is incorrect as increasing the toileting interval should be based on the client's comfort and progress, not just after being continent for a week.
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