HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT)
- B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- C. International normalized ratio (INR)
- D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, International Normalized Ratio (INR). While INR is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, in the case of heparin therapy, the Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) is the preferred test. Choice A, Prothrombin Time (PT), measures the activity of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and is not the best choice for monitoring heparin therapy. Choice D, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), is similar to PTT and is used to monitor heparin therapy, but PTT is the more specific test. Therefore, monitoring PTT is crucial in determining the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy.
2. A client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine therapy. The healthcare provider should monitor for which of the following signs of medication overdose?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Weight gain
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Cold intolerance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a sign of levothyroxine overdose, indicating that the dose may need to be adjusted. Bradycardia (Choice A) is a sign of hypothyroidism, not an overdose of levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice B) and cold intolerance (Choice D) are also symptoms of hypothyroidism, not medication overdose.
3. The products of conception are retained in which of the following?
- A. Complete abortions
- B. Incomplete abortions
- C. Threatened abortion
- D. Mixed abortion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In incomplete abortions, the products of conception are retained. In a complete abortion, all the products of conception are expelled from the uterus. Threatened abortion refers to a situation where there is vaginal bleeding but the cervix remains closed, and it does not necessarily involve retention of products of conception. Mixed abortion is not a recognized medical term related to retained products of conception.
4. Which of the following investigations is done in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
- A. Paracentesis
- B. Culdocentesis
- C. Hysterectomy
- D. Douching
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Culdocentesis is the correct procedure performed to assess the pelvic cavity, often used in the diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Paracentesis involves the aspiration of fluid from the abdominal cavity, not typically done for PID. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is not a diagnostic investigation for PID. Douching is a hygiene practice and not a diagnostic procedure for PID.
5. A client has suspected compartment syndrome of the right lower leg. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Elevate the right leg to reduce swelling.
- B. Loosen any restrictive dressings on the leg.
- C. Prepare the client for emergency surgery.
- D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a suspected case of compartment syndrome, the nurse's priority intervention is to loosen any restrictive dressings on the leg. This action helps to relieve pressure within the affected compartment, improve circulation, and prevent permanent damage. Elevating the leg may further increase pressure, preparing for emergency surgery is premature without proper assessment and diagnosis, and administering pain medication should come after addressing the primary issue of relieving pressure.