HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports to the nurse that a client with a postoperative wound infection has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C), blood pressure of 90/70, pulse of 124 beats/minute, and respirations of 28 breaths/minute. When assessing the client, findings include mottled skin appearance and confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Transfer the client to the ICU.
- B. Initiate an infusion of intravenous (IV) fluids.
- C. Assess the client's core temperature.
- D. Obtain a wound specimen for culture.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Initiating an infusion of IV fluids is the priority action to stabilize blood pressure in a client with signs of sepsis. Intravenous fluids help maintain perfusion to vital organs and prevent further deterioration. Option A is not the immediate priority as stabilizing the client's condition can be initiated in the current setting. Option C, assessing the client's core temperature, is important but not the most critical action at this time. Option D, obtaining a wound specimen for culture, is important for identifying the causative organism but is not the first priority in managing a client with signs of sepsis.
2. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with hepatic encephalopathy. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum ammonia level of 100 mcg/dl
- B. Bilirubin level of 3.0 mg/dl
- C. Prothrombin time of 18 seconds
- D. Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum ammonia level of 100 mcg/dl is most concerning in a client with hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated serum ammonia levels indicate significant liver dysfunction and an increased risk of worsening encephalopathy. Bilirubin level and prothrombin time are important in assessing liver function, but in the context of hepatic encephalopathy, elevated ammonia levels take precedence as they directly contribute to neurological symptoms. Serum sodium level, though important, is not the primary concern when managing hepatic encephalopathy.
3. A patient with renal failure has been taking aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide suspension (Maalox) at home for indigestion. The patient arrives for outpatient hemodialysis and is unresponsive to questions and has decreased deep tendon reflexes. Which action should the dialysis nurse take first?
- A. Notify the patient’s health care provider.
- B. Obtain an order to draw a potassium level.
- C. Review the magnesium level on the patient’s chart.
- D. Teach the patient about the risk of magnesium-containing antacids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The health care provider should be notified immediately. The patient has a history and manifestations consistent with hypermagnesemia. The nurse should check the chart for a recent serum magnesium level and make sure that blood is sent to the laboratory for immediate electrolyte and chemistry determinations. Dialysis should correct the high magnesium levels. The patient needs teaching about the risks of taking magnesium-containing antacids. Monitoring of potassium levels also is important for patients with renal failure, but the patient’s current symptoms are not consistent with hyperkalemia.
4. The client with type 2 DM is being taught about the importance of foot care. Which instruction should be included?
- A. Soak your feet in hot water every night.
- B. Walk barefoot whenever possible.
- C. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
- D. Wear comfortable shoes that allow air circulation.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction for the client with type 2 DM regarding foot care is to wear comfortable shoes that allow air circulation. This helps prevent foot injuries and infections, which are common complications in clients with diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as soaking feet in hot water can lead to burns and skin damage. Choice B is incorrect because walking barefoot increases the risk of injury and infection. Choice C is incorrect as using a heating pad can also potentially lead to burns and skin damage.
5. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has acute pancreatitis and a prescription for fat-soluble vitamin supplements. Which of the following supplements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Vitamin B1
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Vitamin B12
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin A. Fat-soluble vitamins essential for patients with pancreatitis include A, D, E, and K, aiding in proper nutrient absorption. Vitamin B1 (Choice B), also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin and not a fat-soluble one. Vitamin C (Choice C) is another water-soluble vitamin and not a fat-soluble one. Vitamin B12 (Choice D) is also a water-soluble vitamin and not one of the fat-soluble vitamins crucial for patients with pancreatitis.