HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Test
1. The healthcare professional counts an adult's apical heartbeat at 110 beats per minute. The healthcare professional describes this as:
- A. Asystole
- B. Bigeminy
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. In this case, an adult's heart rate of 110 beats per minute falls within the range of tachycardia. Tachycardia can be a common physiological response to various stresses on the body, leading to an increased heart rate. Asystole refers to the absence of cardiac activity, bigeminy is a specific heart rhythm pattern, and bradycardia is a heart rate below 60 beats per minute in adults.
2. What action should the nurse take after applying gloves to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique?
- A. Empty the client's urinary drainage bag.
- B. Draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe.
- C. Secure the client's catheter to the drainage tubing.
- D. Use aseptic technique to instill the irrigating solution.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After applying gloves to irrigate an indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique, the next step for the nurse is to draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe. This step is crucial as it ensures that the solution is ready to be instilled through the catheter to maintain its patency and prevent blockages. Option A is incorrect as emptying the client's urinary drainage bag is not the immediate next step in the irrigation process. Option C is incorrect as securing the client's catheter to the drainage tubing is not necessary at this stage. Option D is incorrect as the question pertains to the action immediately after applying gloves and does not involve instilling the irrigating solution yet.
3. During a urethral catheterization on a female, where would the healthcare provider observe the urethral meatus after separating the labia?
- A. Between the vaginal orifice and the anus.
- B. Between the clitoris and the vaginal orifice.
- C. Just above the clitoris.
- D. Within the vaginal canal.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct location of the urethral meatus in females is between the clitoris and the vaginal orifice. When performing a urethral catheterization, it is crucial to identify this anatomical landmark for correct insertion of the catheter. Choice A is incorrect as the urethral meatus is not located between the vaginal orifice and the anus. Choice C is incorrect as the urethral meatus is not located just above the clitoris. Choice D is incorrect as the urethral meatus is not within the vaginal canal.
4. What action should the nurse implement to prepare a client for the potential side effects of a newly prescribed medication?
- A. Assess the client for health alterations that may be impacted by the effects of the medication
- B. Teach the client how to administer the medication to promote the best absorption
- C. Administer a half dose and observe the client for side effects before administering a full dosage
- D. Encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids to promote effective drug distribution
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before initiating a new medication, the nurse should conduct a thorough assessment of the client to identify any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors that could be affected by the medication. This assessment helps in establishing a baseline for monitoring potential side effects and determining the medication's appropriateness for the client. Choice B is incorrect as teaching the client how to administer the medication does not directly address preparing for potential side effects. Choice C is incorrect because administering a half dose without a proper assessment could be unsafe. Choice D is incorrect as encouraging fluid intake is not directly related to preparing for potential side effects of a medication.
5. A seriously ill female client tells the nurse, 'I am so tired and in so much pain! Please help me to die.' Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
- A. Administer the prescribed maximum dose of pain medication.
- B. Talk with the client about her feelings related to her own death.
- C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider about initiating antidepressant therapy.
- D. Refer the client to the ethics committee of her local healthcare facility.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional needs by engaging in a conversation to understand the underlying feelings behind her statement. By exploring the client's thoughts about death, the nurse can provide appropriate support and interventions tailored to the client's concerns. Rushing to administer pain medication may not address the emotional distress expressed by the client. Initiating antidepressant therapy is not suitable without assessing the client's feelings further. Referring the client to the ethics committee is premature and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client. Therefore, empathetic communication and assessment of the client's feelings regarding her situation are crucial for providing holistic care.
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