HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. The healthcare professional is administering an intermittent infusion of an antibiotic to a client with an antecubital saline lock. After opening the roller clamp on the IV tubing, the alarm on the infusion pump indicates an obstruction. What action should be taken first?
- A. Check for a blood return.
- B. Reposition the client's arm.
- C. Remove the IV site dressing.
- D. Flush the lock with saline.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Repositioning the client's arm is the initial action to take when encountering an obstruction with an antecubital saline lock. Repositioning may correct any bending at the elbow that could be causing the obstruction, allowing for smoother infusion flow. Checking for a blood return, removing the IV site dressing, or flushing the lock with saline would be subsequent actions once the obstruction is addressed. Checking for a blood return is done to confirm proper placement, removing the IV site dressing is necessary for site assessment, and flushing the lock with saline helps maintain patency but should not be the first action when an obstruction is detected.
2. What is the function of luteinizing hormone?
- A. Maintains the corpus luteum
- B. Ripens the Graafian follicle
- C. Prepares the breasts for lactation
- D. Produces regrowth of the endometrium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Luteinizing hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum after ovulation. This is crucial for the production of progesterone, which helps prepare the endometrium for implantation and supports early pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B is the function of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, C is mainly regulated by prolactin, and D is primarily associated with estrogen and progesterone.
3. What types of medications should the healthcare provider expect to administer to a client during an acute respiratory distress episode?
- A. Vasodilators and hormones.
- B. Analgesics and sedatives.
- C. Anticoagulants and expectorants.
- D. Bronchodilators and steroids.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During an acute respiratory distress episode, the priority is to widen air passages, increase air space, and reduce alveolar membrane inflammation. Therefore, the client would likely require bronchodilators to open up the airways and steroids to reduce inflammation. Vasodilators and hormones (Choice A) are not typically indicated in this situation. Analgesics and sedatives (Choice B) may be used for pain management and anxiety but are not primary treatments for respiratory distress. Anticoagulants and expectorants (Choice C) are not the main medications used during an acute respiratory distress episode and may not address the immediate needs of the client.
4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
- B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
- C. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL
- D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with CKD as it indicates severe hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Serum sodium levels within the normal range (135 mEq/L) are not immediately concerning. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL may indicate impaired kidney function but does not require immediate intervention for hyperkalemia. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL is within normal limits and does not directly correlate with hyperkalemia in this scenario.
5. After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school nurse for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the school’s work-study program. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
- B. Suggest that the student work in the athletic department.
- C. Refer the student to a psychiatrist for further discussion.
- D. Determine the parents' opinion of the work assignment.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with anorexia are often fixated on food and exercise, which can exacerbate their condition. By recommending assignment to the receptionist's office, the nurse provides an environment that minimizes exposure to food-related triggers. Working in the cafeteria may intensify the student's preoccupation with food, making it an unsuitable choice. Referring the student to a psychiatrist without exploring less triggering work options first may not be necessary. Determining the parents' opinion is important, but in this context, the focus should be on selecting a work environment that supports the student's recovery.