HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:
- A. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
- B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
- C. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
- D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the initial treatment should involve administering 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. This helps rapidly raise the client's blood glucose levels. Choices A and D are incorrect as administering glucagon or fast-acting insulin is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious client. Choice B, an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%, is a more invasive and aggressive intervention that is not typically indicated for a conscious client with hypoglycemia.
2. A 26-year-old female client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of a simple goiter, and levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) is prescribed. Which symptoms indicate to the nurse that the prescribed dosage is too high for this client?
- A. Palpitations and shortness of breath
- B. Bradycardia and constipation
- C. Lethargy and lack of appetite
- D. Muscle cramping and dry, flushed skin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. An overdose of thyroid preparation generally manifests symptoms of an agitated state such as tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, tachycardia, increased appetite, agitation, sweating, and diarrhea. Palpitations and shortness of breath are signs of excessive thyroid medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect symptoms for a dosage that is too high. Bradycardia and constipation, lethargy and lack of appetite, muscle cramping and dry, flushed skin are more indicative of hypothyroidism or an insufficient dosage of levothyroxine.
3. A female client is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Facial weakness and difficulty speaking.
- B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes in the legs.
- C. Inability to move the eyes.
- D. Respiratory distress and cyanosis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In Guillain-Barre syndrome, decreased deep tendon reflexes are a critical finding that may indicate impending respiratory failure. This is due to the involvement of the peripheral nervous system affecting the muscles, including those involved in breathing. Reporting decreased deep tendon reflexes promptly is essential to prevent respiratory compromise. Facial weakness, difficulty speaking, and inability to move the eyes are common manifestations of Guillain-Barre syndrome but are not as immediately concerning as respiratory distress and impending respiratory failure.
4. How can menopause affect health?
- A. Causing conjunctivitis
- B. Leading to colitis or bowel upsets
- C. Increasing the risk of cancer
- D. Triggering urinary infections
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Menopause can lead to changes in the urinary tract, such as decreased estrogen levels, which can increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections. While menopause can impact various aspects of health, including bone density and heart health, it is not directly linked to conjunctivitis, colitis, or an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
5. The community health nurse believes that immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic section of the city are probably below the target set by the state health department. What action should the nurse take first to intervene with this health problem?
- A. join a political action group that focuses attention on the issue in the local news media
- B. partner with a local children's hospital in setting up free 'shot' clinics in the neighborhood
- C. review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate
- D. call a meeting of citizens to inform them of the importance of having their children immunized
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate initial action for the community health nurse to take when addressing low immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic area is to review current epidemiological data. By reviewing this data, the nurse can gather evidence that documents the low immunization rate in the community. This information is crucial to support the need for targeted interventions to increase immunization rates. Choices A, B, and D involve actions that may be important at later stages of intervention but are not the first step. Joining a political action group, partnering with a hospital for clinics, or holding a community meeting are all valuable strategies, but they should be based on evidence obtained from reviewing epidemiological data to ensure targeted and effective interventions.