HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. The nurse assesses a client who is newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and observes that the client's eyeballs are protuberant, causing a wide-eyed appearance and eye discomfort. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure
- B. Prepare to administer intravenous levothyroxine
- C. Review the client's serum electrolyte values
- D. Obtain a prescription for artificial tear drops
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In hyperthyroidism, eye discomfort due to protuberant eyeballs (exophthalmos) can be alleviated by using artificial tear drops. These drops help prevent complications associated with dry eyes and promote comfort. Assessing for signs of increased intracranial pressure (Choice A) is not directly related to the client's eye discomfort from hyperthyroidism. Administering intravenous levothyroxine (Choice B) is not the appropriate intervention for managing eye discomfort in hyperthyroidism. Reviewing serum electrolyte values (Choice C) is important in hyperthyroidism but is not directly addressing the client's current eye discomfort and protuberant eyeballs.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic renal failure who is on a low-potassium diet. Which of the following foods should the client avoid?
- A. Bananas
- B. Potatoes
- C. Rice
- D. Apples
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bananas are high in potassium content, which can lead to hyperkalemia in clients with chronic renal failure who are on a low-potassium diet. Therefore, it is crucial for these clients to avoid bananas. Potatoes, rice, and apples are lower in potassium compared to bananas and are generally considered safe for consumption in clients with chronic renal failure on a low-potassium diet.
3. Assessment of the diabetic client for common complications should include examination of the:
- A. Abdomen.
- B. Lymph glands.
- C. Pharynx.
- D. Eyes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Eyes. Diabetic clients are at high risk of developing complications such as diabetic retinopathy, making regular eye examinations crucial. Assessing the eyes helps in early detection and management of diabetic eye diseases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they may be relevant in certain assessments, they are not commonly associated with complications specific to diabetes. Examination of the abdomen, lymph glands, and pharynx are not typically part of routine assessments for common complications in diabetic clients.
4. What is a key intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- A. Administering insulin
- B. Administering IV fluids
- C. Administering oral glucose
- D. Administering oral fluids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering insulin is a crucial intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because it helps in managing hyperglycemia and ketosis by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells and inhibiting the production of ketones. IV fluids are necessary to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA but are not the primary treatment for the condition. Administering oral glucose would exacerbate hyperglycemia in a patient with DKA, while administering oral fluids alone would not effectively address the underlying metabolic disturbances seen in DKA.
5. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is experiencing nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia. Which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Check the client’s digoxin (Lanoxin) level.
- B. Administer an anti-nausea medication.
- C. Ask if the client can eat crackers.
- D. Refer the client to a gastrointestinal specialist.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia, it is crucial for the nurse to suspect digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity. These symptoms are indicative of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the best action for the nurse to take is to check the client's digoxin level. Administering anti-nausea medication, asking about eating crackers, and referring to a gastrointestinal specialist may help with symptom management but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is digoxin toxicity in this case.
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