HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of pneumonia who has been febrile for 24 hours. Which data is most important for the nurse to obtain in determining the client's fluid status?
- A. Daily intake and output
- B. Skin turgor
- C. Daily weight
- D. Vital signs every 4 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Daily weight is the most important data for the nurse to obtain in determining the client's fluid status in this scenario. During febrile episodes, assessing daily weight is crucial as it can indicate fluid retention or loss. While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance, daily weight provides a more comprehensive picture of fluid status over time. Skin turgor is more indicative of hydration status than overall fluid status, and vital signs, although essential, do not directly assess fluid status as effectively as daily weight.
2. The mother of a 9-month-old, diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) yesterday, calls the clinic to inquire if it will be all right to take her infant to the first birthday party of a friend's child the following day. What response should the nurse provide this mother?
- A. The child will no longer be contagious, so no need to take any further precautions.
- B. Ensure there are no children under the age of 6 months around the infected child.
- C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask at all times.
- D. Do not expose other children to RSV. It is highly contagious even without direct contact.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. RSV is highly contagious, even without direct contact. It is important to prevent the spread of the virus to other children, so the infected child should not attend the birthday party to avoid exposing other children to RSV. This is crucial to protect the health of other children who may be more vulnerable to the virus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as RSV remains contagious for a period of time, and precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. Choice B is incorrect because the age limit specified is not a reliable measure to prevent transmission. Choice C is incorrect as wearing a mask may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of RSV in a social setting like a birthday party.
3. A nurse is caring for a new mother who is breastfeeding her term newborn. The newborn weighed 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) at birth and weighs 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) on the second day of life. The mother expresses concern about the weight loss and asks the nurse about the amount of her breast milk. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Why don't you switch to formula to ensure your baby is eating enough?
- B. It is common for new mothers to worry that they are not producing enough milk for their baby.
- C. A healthy newborn can lose 6% of his birth weight before starting to gain weight.
- D. Your newborn will need to remain in the hospital so his weight can be monitored.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A healthy newborn can lose up to 6% of their birth weight within the first few days of life, which is considered normal. This weight loss is usually due to fluid shifts and initial adjustments. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inappropriate as switching to formula is not necessary at this point. Choice B, while acknowledging the mother's concerns, does not provide factual information about newborn weight loss. Choice D is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary stress to the mother and newborn since monitoring weight loss at home is sufficient unless there are other concerns.
4. The nurse is preparing a client who had a BKA amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendations should the nurse provide this client?
- A. All of the above
- B. Inspect the skin for redness
- C. Use a residual limb shrinker
- D. Wash the stump with soap and water
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Proper care of the residual limb is essential in preventing complications like infection or poor healing. By choosing 'All of the above,' the nurse ensures that the client receives comprehensive care. Inspecting the skin for redness is crucial as it can help in early detection of infections. Using a residual limb shrinker helps reduce swelling and maintain proper shaping of the limb. Washing the stump with soap and water on a daily basis is important for hygiene and preventing infections. Therefore, all the recommendations (choices A, B, and C) are essential for the client's care, making choice A the correct answer. Choice D is incorrect as it does not encompass all the necessary recommendations for the client's care.
5. A client has received 2 units of whole blood today following an episode of GI bleeding. Which of the following laboratory reports would the nurse monitor most closely?
- A. Bleeding time
- B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- C. White blood cells
- D. Platelets
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels should be monitored closely after blood transfusions to assess the effectiveness and identify any complications. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels helps evaluate the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume. While platelets are crucial for clotting, they are not typically affected immediately after a blood transfusion. White blood cell count monitoring is more relevant in assessing infection or immune response, not directly related to a blood transfusion. Bleeding time measures platelet function, which is not the primary concern immediately after a blood transfusion.