HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. An agitated, confused female client arrives in the emergency department. Her history includes type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and angina pectoris. Assessment reveals pallor, diaphoresis, headache, and intense hunger. A stat blood glucose sample measures 42 mg/dl, and the client is treated for an acute hypoglycemic reaction. After recovery, the nurse teaches the client to treat hypoglycemia by ingesting:
- A. 2 to 5 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- B. 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- C. 18 to 20 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- D. 25 to 30 g of a simple carbohydrate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. In the treatment of hypoglycemia, it is important to administer a specific amount of simple carbohydrates to raise blood glucose levels effectively without causing hyperglycemia. 10 to 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soft drinks, is recommended to rapidly increase blood sugar levels in clients experiencing hypoglycemia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they either provide too little or too much glucose, which may not effectively treat the hypoglycemic episode or may lead to rebound hyperglycemia.
2. A client is to receive cimetidine (Tagamet) 300 mg q6h IVP. The preparation arrives from the pharmacy diluted in 50 ml of 0.9% NaCl. The nurse plans to administer the IVPB dose over 20 minutes. For how many ml/hr should the infusion pump be set to deliver the secondary infusion?
- A. 75 ml/hr
- B. 150 ml/hr
- C. 225 ml/hr
- D. 300 ml/hr
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the infusion rate, set up a ratio proportion problem: 50 ml/20 min = x ml/60 min. Cross multiply to solve: 50 × 60 / 20 = 150 ml/hr. Therefore, the infusion pump should be set to deliver the secondary infusion at a rate of 150 ml/hr. Option A, 75 ml/hr, is incorrect because it does not account for the correct calculation. Option C, 225 ml/hr, is incorrect as it is too high a rate based on the calculation. Option D, 300 ml/hr, is also incorrect as it does not align with the correct calculation for the infusion rate.
3. Why might an RN need professional liability insurance?
- A. Protection against frivolous lawsuits without incurring expenses.
- B. Immunity from being sued by the institution if guilty of malpractice.
- C. Coverage for charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations.
- D. Exclusively doctors face malpractice lawsuits.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Having professional liability insurance is crucial for Registered Nurses due to various reasons. Choice A is incorrect because there are expenses associated with defending against frivolous lawsuits. Choice B is incorrect as institutions can still sue a nurse found guilty of malpractice. Choice D is incorrect because malpractice lawsuits can be filed against healthcare professionals, including nurses. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as liability policies can provide coverage for charges involving libel, slander, assault, and breaches of patient confidentiality like HIPAA violations, offering essential protection for RNs in their practice.
4. Which assessment finding should indicate to the nurse that a client with arterial hypertension is experiencing a cardiac complication?
- A. Complaints of an occipital headache
- B. A palpable dorsal pedis pulse bilaterally
- C. Complaints of shortness of breath on exertion
- D. A blood pressure of 160/90
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, complaints of shortness of breath on exertion. This symptom is indicative of heart failure, a common cardiac complication of arterial hypertension. Shortness of breath on exertion is often due to the heart's inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because complaints of an occipital headache, a palpable dorsal pedis pulse bilaterally, and a blood pressure of 160/90 do not specifically indicate a cardiac complication in a client with arterial hypertension.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client with DM. The nurse notes that the NPH insulin vial is cloudy. The nurse should:
- A. Obtain a new vial of NPH insulin.
- B. Draw up the cloudy insulin as ordered.
- C. Shake the vial vigorously before drawing up the insulin.
- D. Warm the insulin to room temperature before administration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to draw up the cloudy insulin as ordered. NPH insulin is inherently cloudy due to its suspension of insulin crystals. Shaking the vial vigorously can lead to denaturation of the insulin molecules, altering its efficacy. Warming NPH insulin is not necessary as it can cause breakdown of insulin molecules. The nurse should gently roll the vial between hands to mix it before drawing it up to ensure an even distribution of insulin in the suspension.