HESI RN
Leadership HESI
1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would the provider expect to find?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Heat intolerance
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Diarrhea
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bradycardia is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because the condition leads to a decreased metabolic rate. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism due to increased sensitivity to heat. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; rather, constipation is more common due to the slow-down of the digestive system.
2. When a client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer, which of the following should take priority in planning care?
- A. Esophagitis
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Leukopenia should take priority in planning care for a client receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for bronchial cancer because it is a serious side effect that increases the risk of infection. Monitoring leukopenia is crucial to prevent complications. Esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, but leukopenia poses a higher risk of life-threatening infections, requiring immediate attention.
3. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
- B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
- C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
- D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When performing sterile wound care, it is essential to use only newly opened and unexpired solutions to maintain sterility and prevent infections. The normal saline solution obtained by the nurse is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date, making it no longer considered sterile. The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle to ensure the safety and effectiveness of wound care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because reusing an already opened and outdated solution or attempting to relabel it with a current date can compromise patient safety and increase the risk of infection.
4. The RN on the evening shift receives a report that a client is scheduled for electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) in the morning. Which intervention should the RN implement the evening before the scheduled ECT?
- A. Hold all bedtime medications.
- B. Keep the client NPO after midnight.
- C. Implement elopement precautions.
- D. Give the client an enema at bedtime.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the client NPO after midnight is the appropriate intervention before ECT to prevent complications during the procedure. Withholding food and fluids reduces the risk of aspiration and helps ensure the safety of the client. Option A (Hold all bedtime medications) is incorrect because medications may need to be given as prescribed unless specified otherwise by the healthcare provider. Option C (Implement elopement precautions) is unrelated to preparing a client for ECT and focuses on preventing a client from leaving the treatment area. Option D (Give the client an enema at bedtime) is unnecessary and not a standard pre-ECT preparation, making it an incorrect choice.
5. While assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion, which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C).
- B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
- C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
- D. Complaints of feeling cold.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A heart rate of 90 beats per minute requires immediate intervention when assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion. This finding can indicate a potential transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction or fluid overload, which requires prompt evaluation and management to prevent serious complications. While a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate a mild fever, it is not typically an immediate concern during a blood transfusion. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not necessitate immediate intervention. Complaints of feeling cold can be addressed but do not indicate an urgent need for intervention compared to the critical nature of a potential transfusion reaction indicated by an elevated heart rate.