HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Quizlet
1. The nurse is caring for a client with acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to gentamicin therapy. The client's serum blood potassium is elevated. Which finding requires immediate action by the nurse?
- A. Anuria for the last 12 hours.
- B. Tachycardia and hypotension.
- C. Decreased urine output.
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Anuria for the last 12 hours. Anuria, the absence of urine output, indicates complete kidney failure and is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. In acute kidney injury (AKI), the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood effectively, leading to a buildup of toxins and electrolyte imbalances like elevated blood potassium levels. Tachycardia and hypotension (choice B) can be seen in AKI but do not reflect the urgency of addressing anuria. Decreased urine output (choice C) is concerning but not as critical as the absence of urine production. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (choice D) are indicative of kidney dysfunction but do not demand immediate action as anuria does.
2. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL
- B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
- C. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL
- D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A total calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and indicates possible hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroid surgery. This condition can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. Blood glucose within normal range, sodium, and potassium levels are not indicative of an immediate postoperative complication like hypocalcemia in this case.
3. In assessing a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep, and the client becomes lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next?
- A. Pulse oximetry
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Arterial blood gases
- D. Serum electrolytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) and lethargy are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Checking the blood glucose is the priority to confirm hyperglycemia and guide immediate treatment. Pulse oximetry is not the priority in this situation as the issue is related to altered glucose levels, not oxygenation. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes may be important later in the management of DKA but are not the initial priority compared to confirming and addressing the hyperglycemia.
4. While caring for a toddler receiving oxygen (02) via face mask, the nurse observes that the child's lips and nares are dry and cracked. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Ask the mother what she usually uses on the child's lips and nose.
- B. Apply a petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the child's nose and lips.
- C. Use a topical lidocaine (Zylocaine viscous) analgesic for cracked lips.
- D. Use a water-soluble lubricant on affected oral and nasal mucosa.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A water-soluble lubricant is safe to use in conjunction with oxygen therapy, unlike petroleum jelly which is flammable.
5. The nurse is assessing a client 2 hours postoperatively following an appendectomy. The nurse should intervene for which abnormal finding?
- A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute
- B. Blood pressure of 100/60
- C. Oxygen saturation of 94%
- D. Respiratory rate of 16
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Oxygen saturation levels below 95% indicate hypoxia and require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute, a blood pressure of 100/60, and a respiratory rate of 16 are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention. Oxygen saturation is a critical parameter reflecting the client's oxygenation status.