HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. In a patient with type 1 diabetes, which of the following is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- A. Polyuria
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Dry skin
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Tachycardia is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a patient with type 1 diabetes. In DKA, the body responds to hyperglycemia and dehydration by increasing heart rate. Polyuria (increased urination) is a symptom of diabetes but not specific to DKA. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and dry skin are not typical signs of DKA; instead, tachycardia and other signs of volume depletion are more common.
2. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
- A. Heartburn.
- B. Nausea.
- C. Abdominal pain.
- D. Vomiting.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heartburn. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD as it occurs due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. This leads to a burning sensation in the chest that can worsen after eating, lying down, or bending over. Choice B, Nausea, is not typically the most common symptom of GERD, although it can occur in some cases. Choice C, Abdominal pain, is not a primary symptom of GERD and is more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal conditions. Choice D, Vomiting, is also not the most common symptom of GERD, although it can occur in severe cases or as a result of complications.
3. A nurse is teaching a nursing student how to measure a carotid pulse. The nurse should tell the student to measure the pulse on only one side of the client’s neck primarily because:
- A. It is unnecessary to use both hands
- B. Feeling dual pulsations may lead to an incorrect measurement
- C. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could occlude the trachea
- D. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could cause the heart rate and blood pressure to drop
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Applying pressure to both carotid arteries at the same time is contraindicated. Excess pressure to the baroreceptors in the carotid vessels could cause the heart rate and blood pressure to reflexively drop. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could also interfere with the flow of blood to the brain, possibly causing dizziness and syncope. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. It is necessary to use both hands to measure the carotid pulse accurately. Feeling dual pulsations does not lead to an incorrect measurement, and palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously does not occlude the trachea.
4. The patient is beginning furosemide and has started a 2-week course of a steroid medication. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Avoid consuming licorice to prevent excess potassium loss.
- B. Report a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours.
- C. Obtain an order for a potassium supplement.
- D. Take the furosemide in the morning.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is taking furosemide and a steroid medication, there is an increased risk of potassium loss due to the interaction between the two drugs. Consuming licorice should be avoided as it can worsen potassium loss. Reporting a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours is not directly related to the drug interaction and may not be necessary. Taking furosemide at bedtime is not the primary concern when a patient is concurrently on a steroid medication and furosemide. Therefore, obtaining an order for a potassium supplement is the most appropriate recommendation to counteract the potential potassium loss.
5. Which of the following medications is typically used to treat asthma?
- A. Aspirin
- B. Metformin
- C. Albuterol
- D. Lisinopril
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma by relaxing the muscles around the airways, helping to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Aspirin (Choice A) is not typically used to treat asthma and can actually trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Metformin (Choice B) is a medication for managing type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for asthma treatment. Lisinopril (Choice D) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, not asthma.
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