HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- B. Serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL
- C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
- D. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is most concerning in a client receiving erythropoietin therapy as it indicates hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. High potassium levels can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmias and must be addressed promptly. The other laboratory values, though abnormal, do not present immediate life-threatening risks as hyperkalemia does.
2. A psychological contract exists between staff members and nurse managers. Which of the following best describes this relationship?
- A. Nurse managers provide positive evaluations, and in turn, staff members do what managers ask of them.
- B. Nurse managers coordinate multiple departments and supervise multiple staff members.
- C. Staff members do what managers ask of them and, in turn, are rewarded through assignments, promotions, and evaluations.
- D. Nurse managers advocate for staff and support nursing roles and ethical practice.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. In a psychological contract between staff members and nurse managers, staff members are expected to fulfill the requests of managers, and in return, they are rewarded with assignments, promotions, and evaluations. This reciprocal relationship forms the basis of the psychological contract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the essence of the psychological contract. While nurse managers may provide positive evaluations, coordinate departments, supervise staff, advocate for staff, and support nursing roles, these actions alone do not define the specific reciprocal nature of the psychological contract outlined in choice C.
3. A nurse manager in the emergency department considers policy changes in the organization and changes in the community, and tries to predict how these may impact the functioning of the unit. Which of the following decisional activities best describes this manager's actions?
- A. Resource allocation
- B. Monitoring
- C. Job analysis and redesign
- D. Planning for the future
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Planning for the future.' In this scenario, the nurse manager is engaging in strategic planning by considering policy changes and community dynamics to forecast potential impacts on the unit's functioning. This decisional activity involves anticipating future changes, challenges, and opportunities, and preparing the unit to adapt accordingly. Choice A, 'Resource allocation,' involves distributing resources effectively to support daily operations, which is not the primary focus of the nurse manager's actions described. Choice B, 'Monitoring,' typically involves overseeing current activities and performance to ensure adherence to standards and goals, rather than proactively planning for future changes as the nurse manager is doing. Choice C, 'Job analysis and redesign,' pertains to evaluating and modifying job roles and responsibilities within the unit, which is not directly related to the strategic forecasting and planning involved in anticipating organizational and community impacts.
4. A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has iron deficiency anemia. The nurse should explain that which of the following food sources contains iron that is most easily absorbed by the body?
- A. Spinach
- B. Dried apricots
- C. Chicken
- D. Lentils
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Chicken.' Heme iron from animal sources, such as chicken, is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron from plant sources like spinach, dried apricots, and lentils. While plant-based iron sources are beneficial, they are not as readily absorbed by the body as heme iron from animal products.
5. What lines the uterus?
- A. Endometrium.
- B. Myometrium.
- C. Perimetrium.
- D. Glandular tissue.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Endometrium. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus where the fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy. Myometrium (Choice B) is the middle layer of the uterus consisting of muscle tissue. Perimetrium (Choice C) is the outer layer of the uterus. Glandular tissue (Choice D) is a broad term referring to tissue containing glands, but it does not specifically line the uterus.