HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. The nurse is caring for a client post-surgery with an order to ambulate the client every 2 hours. Which of the following tasks could be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Assessing the client's ability to ambulate safely
- B. Documenting the client's tolerance of ambulation
- C. Assisting the client with ambulation
- D. Evaluating the client's pain level after ambulation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to a UAP as it is a supportive activity that does not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, documentation, and evaluation, which require nursing knowledge and clinical judgment, making them tasks that should be performed by a licensed nurse.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dL
- B. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
- C. Serum bicarbonate of 15 mEq/L
- D. Serum pH of 7.28
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A serum pH of 7.28 indicates metabolic acidosis in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), requiring immediate intervention. In DKA, the body produces excess ketones, leading to acidosis. Monitoring and correcting the pH level is crucial in managing DKA. Serum glucose levels may be high in DKA, but the immediate concern is correcting the acidosis to prevent complications. Serum potassium and bicarbonate levels are also important but not as immediately critical as correcting the acidosis in DKA.
3. When assisting an older client who can stand but not ambulate from the bed to a chair, what is the best action for the nurse to implement?
- A. Use a mechanical lift to transfer the client from the bed to a chair.
- B. Place a roller board under the client who is sitting on the side of the bed and slide the client to the chair.
- C. Lift the client out of bed to the chair with another staff member using a coordinated effort on the count of three.
- D. Place a transfer belt around the client, assist the client to stand, and pivot to a chair that is placed at a right angle to the bed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best action for the nurse when assisting an older client who can stand but not ambulate from the bed to a chair is to use a transfer belt. Placing a transfer belt around the client, assisting the client to stand, and pivoting to a chair that is placed at a right angle to the bed allows for a safe and controlled transfer. This method promotes patient independence while ensuring safety during the transfer process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because using a mechanical lift may not be necessary for a client who can stand, using a roller board may not provide enough stability, and lifting the client with the help of another staff member may not be the safest option for the client's independence and safety.
4. Prior to administering warfarin to a client with a history of atrial fibrillation, what lab result should the nurse review?
- A. White blood cell count.
- B. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
- C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR). These lab values are crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, while INR standardizes these results. Ensuring the client's PT/INR levels are within the therapeutic range is essential to prevent clotting or excessive bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy in a client with atrial fibrillation.
5. When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests
- B. Complete blood count and electrolytes
- C. Serum calcium and magnesium
- D. Serum glucose and lipids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, the nurse should closely monitor laboratory values that indicate renal and hepatic function. This includes checking the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels to assess kidney function. Additionally, monitoring liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin, is essential as cephalosporins can affect liver enzymes. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the parameters that are most pertinent when administering high doses of cephalosporins.