HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which laboratory test result is most indicative of a recent MI?
- A. Elevated troponin levels
- B. Increased white blood cell count
- C. Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- D. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevated troponin levels are the most specific and sensitive indicator of myocardial infarction. Troponin levels increase within hours of an MI and remain elevated for several days. White blood cell count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are not specific markers for MI. An increased white blood cell count may indicate inflammation or infection, increased LDH levels can be seen in various conditions like liver disease or muscle injury, and elevated CRP is a general marker of inflammation rather than specific to MI.
2. A client with acute kidney injury has an elevated creatinine level. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
- B. Prepare the client for dialysis.
- C. Restrict the client’s fluid intake.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare the client for dialysis. Clients with acute kidney injury and elevated creatinine may require dialysis to support kidney function and remove waste products from the blood. Preparing for dialysis ensures timely intervention in preventing further complications. Administering diuretics (Choice A) may worsen the client's condition by further compromising kidney function. Restricting fluid intake (Choice C) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the priority over preparing for dialysis. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) is important, but the immediate priority is to prepare for dialysis to address the acute kidney injury and elevated creatinine level.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has cancer about foods that prevent protein-energy malnutrition. Which of the following foods should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select one that doesn't apply).
- A. Cottage cheese
- B. Milkshake
- C. Tuna fish
- D. Strawberries and bananas
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Strawberries and bananas. Cottage cheese, milkshakes, and tuna fish are high in protein and calories, making them beneficial in preventing protein-energy malnutrition. However, strawberries and bananas are not as protein or calorie-dense compared to the other options, so they are not as effective in preventing malnutrition.
4. A client receiving codeine for pain every 4 to 6 hours over 4 days. Which assessment should the nurse perform before administering the next dose?
- A. Auscultate the bowel sounds.
- B. Palpate the ankles for edema.
- C. Observe the skin for bruising.
- D. Measure the body temperature.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultate the bowel sounds. Codeine is known to cause constipation, so it is essential to assess bowel sounds before administering another dose to monitor for potential constipation or bowel motility issues. Palpating the ankles for edema (Choice B) is not directly related to codeine use or its side effects. Observing the skin for bruising (Choice C) is important but not specifically associated with codeine administration. Measuring body temperature (Choice D) is not a priority assessment related to codeine use; monitoring for constipation is more critical in this case.
5. A 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has had a steady decrease in heart rate, now at 76 bpm from 110 bpm four hours ago. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
- B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
- C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
- D. Blood pressure of 70/40.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. The blood pressure of 70/40 is dangerously low and requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Oxygen saturation of 94% is within an acceptable range and does not indicate immediate danger. A respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute is slightly elevated but not a critical finding. Urine output of 20 mL/hr is low but may not be the most concerning finding in this scenario compared to the drop in blood pressure.