HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. During the initial newborn assessment, the nurse finds that a newborn's heart rate is irregular. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the pediatrician immediately.
- B. Teach the parents about congenital heart defects.
- C. Document the finding in the infant's record.
- D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention when a nurse finds an irregular heart rate in a newborn is to document the finding in the infant's record. An irregular heart rate is a common occurrence in newborns and does not necessarily require immediate medical intervention. Notifying the pediatrician immediately is unnecessary unless there are other concerning symptoms. Teaching the parents about congenital heart defects is not the priority in this situation. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min is not indicated for an irregular heart rate without further assessment or medical indication.
2. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following should be the nurse's first priority?
- A. The client will maintain adequate nutrition.
- B. The client will manage side effects of treatment.
- C. The client will recognize signs and symptoms of infection.
- D. The client will experience a reduction in pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Recognizing signs and symptoms of infection should be the nurse's first priority when developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often compromises the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Early identification and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications. Options A, B, and D are important aspects of care but recognizing signs of infection takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening consequences in clients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
3. A client with DM is preparing for a foot care exam. The nurse should advise the client to:
- A. Wear loose-fitting shoes to protect the feet.
- B. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet to keep the skin moist.
- C. Avoid using a heating pad to prevent burns on the feet.
- D. Avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails. This is crucial because using sharp instruments can lead to injuries such as cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infections, especially in clients with diabetes who have decreased sensation in their feet. Choice A is incorrect because tight shoes can restrict circulation and increase the risk of pressure sores. Choice B is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, leading to fungal infections. Choice C is incorrect because using a heating pad can lead to burns, which can go unnoticed due to decreased sensation in diabetic feet.
4. Which of the following options identifies the products of cell respiration?
- A. Water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
- B. Glucose and oxygen
- C. Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
- D. Water, glucose, and oxygen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).' During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce water, carbon dioxide, and ATP. Choice A is incorrect as oxygen is not a product of cell respiration but a reactant. Choice B is incorrect as it lists glucose and oxygen, which are actually reactants in the process. Choice D is incorrect as glucose is not a product of cell respiration but a substrate that is broken down to release energy.
5. When a 3-year-old boy asks a nurse why his baby sister is eating his mommy’s breast, how should the nurse respond? (Select the response that does not apply.)
- A. Remind him that his mother breastfed him too
- B. Clarify that breastfeeding is the mother’s choice
- C. Reassure the older brother that it does not hurt his mother
- D. Explain that newborns get milk from their mothers in this way
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should avoid reminding the older sibling about his own breastfeeding experience as it does not directly address the question posed by the boy. Providing simple explanations about breastfeeding and newborn feeding patterns helps the older sibling understand the natural process without bringing up personal experiences. Choice B is correct because clarifying that breastfeeding is the mother's choice helps the older sibling understand the concept of personal decisions. Choice C is appropriate as reassuring the older brother that it does not hurt his mother addresses a common concern children may have. Choice D is also suitable as it explains in simple terms how newborns receive milk from their mothers.