HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023
1. When planning care for a 10-year-old child with pneumonia receiving oxygen at 5l/min per nasal cannula, what principle of oxygen administration should the nurse consider?
- A. Avoid administration of oxygen at high levels for extended periods.
- B. Increase oxygen flow rate if the child is still tachypneic.
- C. Reduce oxygen levels gradually after symptoms improve.
- D. Humidify the oxygen to prevent drying of mucous membranes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct principle of oxygen administration to consider is to avoid administering oxygen at high levels for extended periods. High levels of oxygen for prolonged periods can lead to oxygen toxicity, especially in pediatric patients. Increasing the oxygen flow rate based on tachypnea may not be necessary and can potentially lead to oxygen toxicity. Gradually reducing oxygen levels after symptoms improve may compromise the child's oxygenation. While humidifying oxygen is important to prevent drying of mucous membranes, the primary concern in this case is to avoid high oxygen levels for an extended duration to prevent oxygen toxicity.
2. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. Which laboratory value should the nurse review before the procedure?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- C. Serum potassium
- D. Serum glucose
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine. Before a CT scan with contrast, the nurse should review the serum creatinine level. This is crucial in patients with CKD because contrast agents can potentially worsen kidney function and lead to contrast-induced nephropathy. Monitoring serum creatinine helps assess kidney function and determine the risk of complications. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in this scenario. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another marker of kidney function, but serum creatinine is a more specific indicator. Serum potassium levels are important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not directly related to the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Serum glucose levels are not typically a primary concern before a CT scan with contrast in a patient with CKD.
3. A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery
- B. Ask the client to cough and deep breathe.
- C. Measure the length of the tube to be inserted.
- D. Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client is to explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent. It is crucial to ensure that the client is informed about the procedure, understands it, and consents to it before proceeding. Assessing the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery (Choice A) is important but can be done after obtaining consent. Asking the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice B) is not directly related to the initial step of preparing for NGT insertion. Measuring the length of the tube to be inserted (Choice C) is a necessary step but should come after explaining the procedure and obtaining consent.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute
- C. Use of accessory muscles
- D. Inspiratory crackles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The use of accessory muscles is most concerning in a client with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen as it indicates increased work of breathing, requiring immediate intervention. Oxygen saturation of 90% is acceptable in a client with COPD. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not as critical as the use of accessory muscles. Inspiratory crackles may be present in clients with COPD due to underlying lung changes but do not require immediate intervention unless associated with other concerning symptoms.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which laboratory value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
- B. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl
- C. Potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
- D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is dangerously high, a condition known as hyperkalemia, and requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making it crucial to notify the healthcare provider promptly. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate immediate life-threatening conditions. Elevated serum creatinine levels are expected in CKD, a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dl is within a reasonable range, and a blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl is not acutely concerning in this context.
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