HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. The client with chronic renal failure is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Hemoglobin level.
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level.
- C. Serum potassium level.
- D. Creatinine level.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The serum potassium level should be monitored closely in clients undergoing hemodialysis due to the risk of hyperkalemia. Hemodialysis is used to remove waste products and excess electrolytes like potassium from the blood. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial because an imbalance can lead to serious cardiac complications, making it the priority value to monitor in this scenario. Monitoring hemoglobin levels (choice A) is important for anemia assessment in chronic renal failure but is not directly related to hemodialysis. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (choice B) and creatinine levels (choice D) are commonly monitored in renal function tests but are not the top priority for monitoring in a client undergoing hemodialysis.
2. A patient presents with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following diagnostic tests is the priority?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Serum electrolytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient presenting with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, the priority diagnostic test is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG can quickly identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction, guiding prompt management. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may provide some information but is not the primary test for evaluating chest pain related to myocardial infarction. A Chest X-ray can be useful in assessing lung pathologies or certain cardiac conditions; however, it does not provide immediate information on myocardial infarction, making it a secondary option in this scenario. Serum electrolytes may become important in later stages but do not offer immediate insights into myocardial infarction. Therefore, they are a lower priority compared to obtaining an ECG for timely diagnosis and intervention.
3. The client with chronic renal failure is on a fluid restriction. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. I will limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- B. I can drink as much fluid as I want as long as I take my medication.
- C. I will skip dialysis sessions if I feel tired.
- D. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the need to limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload, which is crucial in managing chronic renal failure. Adequate fluid restriction is essential to prevent complications such as fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes excessive fluid intake, which can worsen the client's condition by putting additional stress on the kidneys. Choice C is incorrect as skipping dialysis sessions can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, worsening renal failure and potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Choice D is incorrect because limiting fluid intake to a specific volume may not be appropriate for all clients and can vary depending on individual needs, medical condition, and healthcare provider recommendations.
4. A female client is brought to the clinic by her daughter for a flu shot. She has lost significant weight since the last visit. She has poor personal hygiene and inadequate clothing for the weather. The client states that she lives alone and denies problems or concerns. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify social services immediately if suspected elderly abuse is present.
- B. Discuss the need for mental health counseling with the daughter.
- C. Explain to the client the importance of taking better care of herself.
- D. Collect further data to determine whether self-neglect is occurring.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client presents with significant weight loss, poor hygiene, and inadequate clothing, which are concerning signs of self-neglect. Before taking action, it is crucial for the nurse to collect more data to determine the root cause of these issues. Jumping to conclusions or immediately involving social services without a thorough assessment could potentially harm the client or strain relationships. Discussing the need for mental health counseling with the daughter or simply advising the client to take better care of herself may not address the underlying problem of self-neglect. Therefore, the most appropriate initial action is for the nurse to collect further data to make an informed decision before taking the next steps.
5. A client is starting urinary bladder training. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?
- A. Use the toilet when you first feel the urge, rather than at specific intervals.
- B. Try to consciously hold your urine until the scheduled toileting time.
- C. Initially try to use the toilet at least every half hour for the first 24 hours.
- D. The toileting interval can be increased once you have been continent for a week.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In urinary bladder training, the client should be taught to try to consciously hold their urine until the scheduled toileting time. This helps in training the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. Option A is incorrect because the goal is to consciously hold urine, not void immediately. Option C is incorrect as toileting at least every half hour may not promote bladder training. Option D is incorrect as increasing the toileting interval should be based on the client's comfort and progress, not just after being continent for a week.
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