HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023
1. The client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
- B. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
- C. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
- D. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dl
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L is concerning in a client with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen as it indicates metabolic acidosis, which can occur due to the body compensating for chronic respiratory acidosis. This condition requires immediate intervention to restore the acid-base balance. Choice A, serum sodium of 135 mEq/L, is within normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and not directly related to COPD or oxygen therapy. Choice B, serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L, falls within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and is not typically affected by COPD or oxygen therapy. Choice D, serum glucose of 300 mg/dl, though elevated, is not directly related to COPD or oxygen therapy and would require management but is not the most concerning value in this scenario.
2. While screening all children in the third grade for head lice, the school nurse observes that one girl has a brownish thickening on her neck. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
- A. review the child's medical folder for a list of allergies
- B. instruct the child's parents to begin treatment
- C. advise the child's parents to obtain a medical evaluation of the child
- D. none of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to advise the child's parents to obtain a medical evaluation of the child. This is important because a medical professional needs to properly diagnose and treat the brownish thickening observed on the child's neck. Reviewing the child's medical folder for allergies (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it does not address the specific concern. Instructing the child's parents to begin treatment (Choice B) without a proper diagnosis can be harmful and ineffective. Choosing 'none of the above' (Choice D) is not the best option when a potential health issue is identified; seeking a medical evaluation is the most appropriate course of action.
3. A client is experiencing angina at rest. Which statement indicates a good understanding of the care required?
- A. I will notify the nurse if my chest pain is not relieved in 30 minutes.
- B. I will use nitroglycerin as needed, every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses.
- C. I will avoid physical activity until the pain subsides completely.
- D. I will take nitroglycerin 30 minutes before any physical activity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using nitroglycerin as needed, every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses, is the appropriate management for angina at rest. This helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Choice A is incorrect because chest pain that persists at rest should be addressed immediately, not waiting for 30 minutes. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding physical activity is not a recommended approach during an angina episode. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be used during chest pain episodes, not as a preventive measure before physical activity.
4. A one-day-old neonate develops a cephalohematoma. The nurse should closely assess this neonate for which common complication?
- A. Jaundice.
- B. Poor feeding.
- C. Brain injury.
- D. Hypoglycemia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and the periosteum. As the blood breaks down, there is an increased risk of jaundice due to the release of bilirubin from the breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is a common complication associated with cephalohematoma in neonates. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the neonate for signs of jaundice and manage it accordingly.
5. Which bioterrorism agent is at high risk for use as a potential biological weapon that is readily transmitted by several portals of entry?
- A. anthrax
- B. smallpox
- C. botulism
- D. tularemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anthrax is the correct answer. Anthrax spores can be transmitted through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, making it a high-risk agent for bioterrorism. Smallpox, botulism, and tularemia are also potential bioterrorism agents, but they do not have the same versatility in terms of multiple portals of entry, unlike anthrax.