HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
- A. Serum calcium.
- B. Serum phosphorus.
- C. Serum potassium.
- D. Serum sodium.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, there is a risk of significant potassium loss, leading to potential electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial in this situation to assess and manage any abnormalities promptly. Serum calcium (Choice A) is not typically affected by vomiting and diarrhea. Serum phosphorus (Choice B) levels are not commonly altered by these symptoms. Serum sodium (Choice D) may be affected in severe cases of dehydration, but potassium monitoring is a higher priority due to its potential for rapid depletion in vomiting and diarrhea.
2. A 15-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital for severe weight loss. The nurse notes that the client has dry skin, brittle hair, and is severely underweight. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
- B. Monitor the client’s vital signs frequently
- C. Initiate a structured eating plan
- D. Provide education about healthy eating habits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for the nurse is to initiate a structured eating plan. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, which can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. By starting a structured eating plan, the nurse can ensure the client receives the necessary nutrition to begin the process of weight restoration and recovery. Monitoring vital signs is essential, but without addressing the nutrition deficiency, vital signs may not improve significantly. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for long-term care but may not address the immediate risk of malnutrition. Providing education about healthy eating habits is important but may not be effective initially due to the severity of the client's condition.
3. An adult female client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) asks the nurse if she can continue taking over-the-counter medications. Which medication provides the greatest threat to this client?
- A. Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox).
- B. Birth control pills.
- C. Cough syrup containing codeine.
- D. Cold medication containing alcohol.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox). In clients with CKD, magnesium can accumulate to toxic levels due to decreased excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, it poses the greatest threat to this client population. Choice B, birth control pills, is not typically contraindicated in CKD. Choice C, cough syrup containing codeine, may require dose adjustments but is not the greatest threat. Choice D, cold medication containing alcohol, is a concern mainly in liver disease, not CKD.
4. The nurse is developing a community health program to address the high rates of hypertension in a neighborhood. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. conducting free blood pressure screenings
- B. distributing educational materials on hypertension
- C. holding workshops on stress management
- D. partnering with local gyms to offer discounted memberships
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Conducting free blood pressure screenings should be prioritized as it helps identify individuals with hypertension who may not be aware of their condition. Early detection allows for timely medical intervention and management. While distributing educational materials, holding stress management workshops, and partnering with local gyms are valuable interventions, they may not directly address the immediate need for identifying undiagnosed cases of hypertension in the community.
5. The client has hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following lab findings is consistent with this condition?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hypercalcemia
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hyperparathyroidism leads to increased secretion of parathyroid hormone, which results in elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). Therefore, the correct lab finding consistent with hyperparathyroidism is hypercalcemia (Choice B). Hypocalcemia (Choice A) is not indicative of hyperparathyroidism as the condition is associated with high calcium levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) is a low potassium level, which is not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism. Hyperphosphatemia (Choice D) refers to high phosphate levels and is not a characteristic finding in hyperparathyroidism.