HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Test
1. Following a craniotomy, why did the nurse position the client in low Fowler's position?
- A. To promote comfort.
- B. To promote drainage from the operation site.
- C. To promote thoracic expansion.
- D. To prevent circulatory overload.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Positioning the client in low Fowler's position after a craniotomy is essential to promote drainage from the operation site. This position helps prevent fluid accumulation, facilitates the removal of excess fluid or blood, and aids in the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because comfort, while important, is not the primary reason for this specific positioning. Choice C is incorrect as thoracic expansion is not the main concern following a craniotomy. Choice D is incorrect as circulatory overload is not typically addressed by positioning in low Fowler's position post-craniotomy.
2. The healthcare provider notes on the fetal monitor that a laboring client has a variable deceleration. Which action should the healthcare provider implement first?
- A. Assess cervical dilation.
- B. Change the client's position.
- C. Administer oxygen via facemask.
- D. Turn off the oxytocin infusion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Changing the client's position is the priority intervention for variable decelerations as it can relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, potentially resolving the deceleration and improving fetal oxygenation. Assessing cervical dilation, administering oxygen via facemask, and turning off the oxytocin infusion are important interventions but addressing the fetal distress caused by variable decelerations takes precedence.
3. A client with multiple sclerosis is receiving intravenous methylprednisolone. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Monitor blood glucose levels every 6 hours.
- B. Monitor for signs of infection.
- C. Encourage increased oral fluid intake.
- D. Check the client's temperature every 4 hours.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client with multiple sclerosis is receiving intravenous methylprednisolone, the nurse's priority action is to monitor for signs of infection. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt intervention. Monitoring blood glucose levels may be important in clients receiving corticosteroids for prolonged periods, but it is not the priority in this case. Encouraging increased oral fluid intake is generally beneficial but not the priority over monitoring for infection. Checking the client's temperature is important but not the priority action compared to monitoring for signs of infection.
4. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider report?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Weight loss
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia is a common finding due to increased cortisol levels leading to insulin resistance. This can have serious implications such as diabetes mellitus and should be promptly reported for appropriate management. Hypotension (choice A) is more commonly associated with Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain rather than weight loss (choice C) is typically observed in clients with Cushing's syndrome. While hypokalemia (choice D) can occur in Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol affecting potassium levels, it is not as critical as hyperglycemia and may not be the priority for immediate reporting.
5. An older patient receiving iso-osmolar continuous tube feedings develops restlessness, agitation, and weakness. Which laboratory result should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
- A. K+ 3.4 mEq/L (3.4 mmol/L)
- B. Ca+2 7.8 mg/dL (1.95 mmol/L)
- C. Na+ 154 mEq/L (154 mmol/L)
- D. PO4-3 4.8 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The elevated serum sodium level (154 mEq/L) is consistent with the patient's neurologic symptoms of restlessness, agitation, and weakness, indicating a need for immediate action to prevent complications like seizures. The potassium level (3.4 mEq/L) and calcium level (7.8 mg/dL) are slightly off from normal but do not require immediate action. The phosphate level (4.8 mg/dL) is normal and not related to the symptoms presented by the patient.