HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. In a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which of the following symptoms would be expected?
- A. Chest pain.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Coughing up blood.
- D. Cyanosis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the risk of a pulmonary embolism. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If a portion of the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath. Chest pain is more commonly associated with conditions like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism itself. Coughing up blood is a symptom more indicative of conditions such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer. Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to poor oxygenation, can be seen in severe cases of pulmonary embolism but is not a typical symptom of DVT.
2. The client is being taught about the best time to plan sexual intercourse in order to conceive. Which information should be provided?
- A. Two weeks before menstruation.
- B. Vaginal mucous discharge is thick.
- C. Low basal temperature.
- D. First thing in the morning.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Two weeks before menstruation.' Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before menstruation begins during a typical 28-day cycle. To increase the chances of conception, sexual intercourse should occur within 24 hours of ovulation. High estrogen levels during ovulation lead to changes in vaginal mucous discharge, making it more 'slippery' and stretchy. Basal temperature rises during ovulation. The timing of intercourse during the day is less significant than ensuring it happens around ovulation. The other options are incorrect because planning intercourse two weeks before menstruation is likely to miss the fertile window, thick vaginal mucous discharge indicates ovulation is approaching, and low basal temperature is not indicative of the fertile period.
3. A nurse reviews a female client’s laboratory results. Which result from the client’s urinalysis should the nurse recognize as abnormal?
- A. pH 5.6
- B. Ketone bodies present
- C. Specific gravity of 1.020
- D. Clear and yellow color
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ketone bodies present. Ketone bodies in urine indicate abnormal metabolism, specifically the incomplete breakdown of fatty acids. Normally, there should be no ketones present in urine. Ketone bodies are produced when the body uses fat sources instead of glucose for cellular energy. A pH range between 4.6 and 8, a specific gravity between 1.005 and 1.030, and clear yellow color in urine are considered normal findings for a female client’s urinalysis. Therefore, options A, C, and D are within normal ranges and not indicative of abnormal results in the urinalysis.
4. When planning care for a client newly diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, the nurse identifies a priority nursing problem of 'visual sensory/perceptual alterations.' This problem is based on which etiology?
- A. Blurred distance vision
- B. Limited eye movement
- C. Decreased peripheral vision
- D. Photosensitivity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Decreased peripheral vision.' Open-angle glaucoma leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve. This loss of peripheral vision is a hallmark sign of the condition and a primary reason for the visual sensory/perceptual alterations experienced by the client. Blurred distance vision (choice A) may occur but is not the priority nursing problem. Limited eye movement (choice B) and photosensitivity (choice D) are not typically associated with the sensory/perceptual alterations seen in open-angle glaucoma.
5. Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching plan for a client who underwent cataract extraction today?
- A. Use a metal eye shield on the operative eye during the day.
- B. Administer eye ointment before applying eye drops.
- C. Sexual activities may be resumed after returning home.
- D. Light housekeeping is safe to do, but avoid heavy lifting.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching plan for a client who underwent cataract extraction is to advise them that light housekeeping is safe to do, but they should avoid heavy lifting. Heavy lifting can strain the surgical site and potentially lead to complications. Choice A is incorrect as a metal eye shield is usually recommended during sleep, not during the day. Choice B is incorrect because eye ointment should typically be administered after applying eye drops to prevent dilution of the medication. Choice C is incorrect as sexual activities should usually be avoided for a specific period post-surgery as advised by the healthcare provider.
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