HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, Nurse Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105°F (40.5°C), tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?
- A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
- B. Thyroid crisis
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Tetany
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid crisis. Thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm, is a life-threatening condition that can occur after a thyroidectomy. Symptoms include high fever, tachycardia, extreme restlessness, and other signs of severe hyperthyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (choice A) is a complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, not typically seen post-thyroidectomy. Hypoglycemia (choice C) is low blood sugar levels and would not present with the symptoms described. Tetany (choice D) is a condition of involuntary muscle spasms due to low calcium levels and is not directly related to the symptoms observed in this scenario.
2. The nurse is caring for a client post appendectomy. The client has developed a fever, and the incision site is red and swollen. Which of these assessments is a priority for the nurse to perform?
- A. Check the client's blood pressure
- B. Assess the client's pain level
- C. Inspect the incision site
- D. Monitor the client's respiratory status
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inspecting the incision site is a priority in this situation because the redness and swelling indicate a potential infection. This assessment helps the nurse determine the extent of infection and the appropriate intervention, such as administering antibiotics or notifying the healthcare provider. Checking the client's blood pressure (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority in this scenario where signs of infection are present. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice B) is also important but addressing the infection takes precedence. Monitoring the client's respiratory status (Choice D) is essential but not the priority when dealing with a localized infection at the incision site.
3. Which of the following is an example of a viviparous animal?
- A. Goat
- B. Duck
- C. Crocodile
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, goat. Viviparous animals give birth to live young ones instead of laying eggs. Ducks and crocodiles are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, making them incorrect choices. 'None of the above' is incorrect because goats are a valid example of viviparous animals.
4. A client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed enoxaparin. What teaching should the nurse provide?
- A. Rotate injection sites to prevent bruising.
- B. Administer the injection in the abdomen only.
- C. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising.
- D. Avoid contact sports to prevent injury.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct teaching for a client prescribed enoxaparin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to report any unusual bleeding or bruising. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, and these symptoms could indicate excessive anticoagulation. Choice A is incorrect because with enoxaparin, injections are usually given in the abdomen, not rotated to different sites. Choice D is not directly related to the medication but is a general precaution for individuals at risk of injury.
5. The nurse is teaching a group of new mothers about infant care. Which topic should the nurse prioritize?
- A. signs of infant dehydration
- B. proper diaper changing techniques
- C. immunization schedule
- D. breastfeeding positions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: signs of infant dehydration. Recognizing signs of dehydration is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of infants. Dehydration can be life-threatening for infants if not addressed promptly. While proper diaper changing techniques, immunization schedules, and breastfeeding positions are also important topics in infant care, being able to identify signs of dehydration takes precedence as it requires immediate attention to prevent serious consequences.