HESI RN
Evolve HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. Polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (GoLYTELY) is prescribed for a hospitalized client scheduled for a colonoscopy. The client begins to experience diarrhea after drinking the solution. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Calling the physician
- B. Administering a cleansing enema
- C. Documenting the diarrhea in the medical record
- D. Giving intravenous replacement fluids in large amounts
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action by the nurse in this situation is to document the diarrhea in the medical record. Polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (GoLYTELY) is a bowel evacuant used to cleanse the bowel before a colonoscopy. It is expected to cause mild diarrhea, which is a normal response to the medication. The diarrhea helps clear the bowel in preparation for the procedure. Calling the physician is not necessary unless there are complications. Administering a cleansing enema or giving intravenous replacement fluids in large amounts are not appropriate actions as they are not indicated for managing the expected diarrhea caused by GoLYTELY.
2. Which of the following statements is true regarding followership and leadership?
- A. Effective leadership is more important than followership.
- B. Good leaders do not need to be good followers.
- C. A good follower is not just skilled but also self-directed.
- D. Critical thinking is only required for effective leadership.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'A good follower is not just skilled but also self-directed.' This statement is true as being self-directed complements effective leadership. Good followers possess the ability to take initiative, work independently, and contribute positively to a team without constant supervision. Option A is incorrect because followership is equally important as leadership in achieving group success. Option B is incorrect as good leaders often demonstrate qualities of good followership, such as being able to listen, collaborate, and support others. Option D is incorrect because critical thinking is essential for both effective leadership and followership, not exclusively for leadership roles.
3. The nurse is preparing an older adult for discharge following cataract extraction. What is the most important instruction?
- A. Avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects.
- B. Limit exposure to sunlight for the first 2 weeks.
- C. Use direct lighting when reading for 6 weeks.
- D. Irrigate the conjunctiva with saline before applying ointment.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important instruction for a patient following cataract extraction is to avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects. These activities can increase intraocular pressure and potentially lead to complications such as bleeding or dislocation of the intraocular lens. Choices B, C, and D are not as critical in the immediate post-operative period. Limiting sunlight exposure and using direct lighting when reading are important but not as crucial as avoiding activities that can increase intraocular pressure. Irrigating the conjunctiva with saline before applying ointment is not a standard post-cataract surgery instruction.
4. A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic because the baby does not sleep through the night. Which finding is most significant in planning care for this family?
- A. The mother is a single parent and lives with her parents
- B. The mother states the baby is irritable during feedings
- C. The infant’s formula has been changed twice
- D. The diaper area shows severe skin breakdown
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area is a significant finding indicating a potential health issue that needs immediate attention. It may be a sign of a skin condition, such as a diaper rash, which can cause discomfort and pain for the infant. Addressing this concern promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the baby's well-being. The other choices may also be important in assessing the overall situation of the family, but in terms of immediate care for the infant, the severe skin breakdown takes priority.
5. After checking the urinary drainage system for kinks in the tubing, the nurse determines that a client who has returned from the post-anesthesia care has a dark, concentrated urinary output of 54 ml for the last 2 hours. What priority nursing action should be implemented?
- A. Report the findings to the surgeon.
- B. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter.
- C. Apply manual pressure to the bladder.
- D. Increase the IV flow rate for 15 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's priority action should be to report the findings to the surgeon. An adult should typically produce about 60 ml of urine per hour, so a dark, concentrated, and low urine output of 54 ml over 2 hours raises concerns. This change in urine output may indicate issues such as dehydration, renal problems, or inadequate fluid intake. Reporting this finding to the surgeon is crucial to ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention. Irrigating the catheter, applying manual pressure to the bladder, or increasing the IV flow rate are not appropriate actions based on the information provided and could potentially worsen the situation.