HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Quizlet
1. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation who is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value should be closely monitored?
- A. Serum potassium level
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
- D. Serum sodium level
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR should be closely monitored in a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin) to assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy. Monitoring the INR helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation to prevent complications such as bleeding or clotting. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While monitoring electrolyte levels like serum potassium and sodium is important in overall client care, they are not specific to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy. Prothrombin time (PT) is a component of INR and helps in monitoring warfarin therapy, but INR gives a standardized result that is independent of the laboratory method used, making it the preferred choice for monitoring warfarin therapy.
2. A 9-year-old received a short arm cast for a right radius. To relieve itching under the child's cast, which instructions should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast
- B. Twist the cast back and forth
- C. Shake powder into the cast
- D. Push a pencil under the cast edge
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blow cool air from a hairdryer under the cast.' Blowing cool air can help relieve itching without damaging the cast or causing injury. Choice B, twisting the cast back and forth, can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, or even injury. Choice C, shaking powder into the cast, can create a mess, increase the risk of skin issues, and interfere with proper healing. Choice D, pushing a pencil under the cast edge, is dangerous as it can cause injury to the child's skin or the underlying tissues. Therefore, the safest and most effective option to relieve itching under the cast is to blow cool air from a hair dryer.
3. A client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line has a fever. What client assessment is most important for the nurse to perform?
- A. Inspect the PICC insertion site for signs of infection.
- B. Observe the antecubital fossa for inflammation.
- C. Auscultate lung sounds for signs of respiratory distress.
- D. Check for signs of phlebitis or thrombosis along the catheter site.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Observing the antecubital fossa for inflammation is crucial in clients with a PICC line and fever. Inflammation at the site can indicate infection or complications related to the PICC line. Auscultating lung sounds (choice C) is important but not the priority in this situation. Checking for phlebitis or thrombosis (choice D) is relevant but does not address the immediate concern of identifying infection or complications at the insertion site. Inspecting the PICC insertion site (choice A) is also important but observing the antecubital fossa provides a more direct assessment of potential issues with the PICC line.
4. A client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid foods high in iodine.
- B. Take your medication with meals.
- C. Monitor your weight daily.
- D. Decrease your daily fluid intake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid foods high in iodine.' Clients with hyperthyroidism should avoid foods high in iodine to prevent exacerbation of their condition. Iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production, and excessive iodine intake can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Taking medication with meals (B) can interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications. Monitoring weight daily (C) is more relevant for conditions that may lead to weight changes like hypothyroidism. Decreasing fluid intake (D) is not a standard recommendation for hyperthyroidism unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider.
5. During a repeat home visit to see an 84-year-old widow, the nurse discovers that the client is unkempt, smells of stale urine, and does not recognize her neighbors or the nurse. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Call the pharmacy to determine what medications she is taking
- B. Seek the family's assistance in taking care of the client
- C. Complete a physical and mental exam on the client
- D. Call the adult protective services to obtain emergency nursing home placement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize completing a physical and mental exam on the client. This action is crucial to assess the client's health status comprehensively and identify any underlying issues contributing to her unkempt appearance, odor of stale urine, and confusion. Calling the pharmacy to determine medications (Choice A) may be important but is not the immediate priority. Seeking family assistance (Choice B) can be helpful, but the client's condition requires a thorough assessment first. While adult protective services (Choice D) may be necessary in the future, the immediate action should be to assess the client's physical and mental health status.