HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone
1. Following discharge teaching, a male client with a duodenal ulcer tells the nurse that he will drink plenty of dairy products, such as milk, to help coat and protect his ulcer. What is the best follow-up action by the nurse?
- A. Encourage the client to drink milk
- B. Review with the client the need to avoid foods that are rich in milk and cream
- C. Instruct the client to take antacids instead
- D. Advise the client to monitor their symptoms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client should be advised to avoid foods rich in milk and cream. Although they provide temporary relief, dairy products, especially milk, stimulate gastric acid secretion, which can exacerbate the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer. Encouraging the client to drink milk (Choice A) would be counterproductive and could worsen the condition. Instructing the client to take antacids (Choice C) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause of the issue. Advising the client to monitor their symptoms (Choice D) is vague and does not provide specific guidance on managing the duodenal ulcer. Therefore, the best action is to review with the client the need to avoid foods rich in milk and cream to ensure proper ulcer management.
2. The parish nurse notes that an elderly male client has had a 5 lbs weight loss since his check-up one month ago. The client has good hygiene, still drives a car, and lives alone. To which agency should the nurse refer this client?
- A. the adult day care center
- B. the social security administration office
- C. the women, infants, and children office
- D. the senior citizen center
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: the senior citizen center.' In this scenario, the elderly male client is experiencing unexplained weight loss, which could be indicative of underlying health issues or social isolation. Referring him to the senior citizen center is appropriate as it can provide social support, resources, and programs tailored to address the client's weight loss and overall well-being. Choice A, the adult day care center, is not the most suitable option as the client is still independent and living alone. Choice B, the social security administration office, and Choice C, the women, infants, and children office, are not relevant in this context and do not address the client's specific needs related to weight loss and social support.
3. A client's subjective data includes dysuria, urgency, and urinary frequency. What action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Collect a clean-catch specimen
- B. Administer prescribed antibiotics
- C. Perform a bladder scan
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement next is to collect a clean-catch specimen. This is essential to diagnose the cause of the client's symptoms accurately before initiating any treatment. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) without confirming the diagnosis through a specimen collection can be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Performing a bladder scan (Choice C) may not provide the necessary information to identify the specific cause of the symptoms. Increasing the client's fluid intake (Choice D) is a general recommendation and may not address the underlying issue causing the symptoms.
4. A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN implement?
- A. Report the client’s serum lithium level to the healthcare provider (HCP).
- B. Encourage the client to suck on hard candy to relieve the symptoms.
- C. No action is needed since polydipsia is a common side effect.
- D. Tell the client that drinking from the faucet is not allowed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to suck on hard candy is the appropriate intervention in this situation. Excessive thirst is a common side effect of lithium therapy. Sucking on hard candy can help alleviate the symptom without posing any harm. Reporting the client's serum lithium level to the healthcare provider (Choice A) is not necessary at this point as the symptom of excessive thirst is a known side effect and does not indicate toxicity. No action is needed (Choice C) is incorrect because addressing the client's distress is essential. Telling the client that drinking from the faucet is not allowed (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of excessive thirst and may cause further distress to the client.
5. A client with pneumonia is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. What assessment finding indicates the need for further intervention?
- A. The client reports feeling short of breath.
- B. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
- C. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
- D. The client is unable to complete sentences without pausing.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the inability to complete sentences without pausing indicates respiratory distress and the need for immediate intervention. This finding suggests an increased work of breathing and inadequate oxygenation. Choices A, B, and C are not as urgent as choice D. Feeling short of breath (choice A) is expected in pneumonia but does not necessarily indicate the need for immediate intervention. An oxygen saturation of 92% (choice B) is slightly below the normal range but may not require immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice C) is within the normal range and does not signify an urgent need for intervention.