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. The patient is receiving a high dose of tetracycline (Sumycin). Which laboratory values should the nurse monitor while caring for this patient?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
- B. Complete blood counts
- C. Electrolytes
- D. Liver enzyme levels
Correct answer: A
Rationale: High doses of tetracyclines can lead to nephrotoxicity, especially when given along with other nephrotoxic drugs. Renal function tests, such as monitoring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, should be performed to assess for nephrotoxicity. Monitoring complete blood counts (choice B) is not directly related to tetracycline therapy. Checking electrolytes (choice C) is important but not the priority when monitoring for tetracycline-induced nephrotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzyme levels (choice D) is not typically indicated in the context of tetracycline therapy.
3. A client who is postmenopausal and has had two episodes of bacterial urethritis in the last 6 months asks, “I never have urinary tract infections. Why is this happening now?” How should the nurse respond?
- A. Your immune system becomes less effective as you age.
- B. Low estrogen levels can make the tissue more susceptible to infection.
- C. You should be more careful with your personal hygiene in this area.
- D. It is likely that you have an untreated sexually transmitted disease.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Low estrogen levels in postmenopausal women decrease moisture and secretions in the perineal area, causing tissue changes that predispose them to infection, including urethritis. This is a common reason for urethritis in postmenopausal women. While immune function does decrease with aging and sexually transmitted diseases can cause urethritis, the most likely reason in this case is the low estrogen levels. Personal hygiene practices are usually not a significant factor in the development of urethritis.
4. Which of the following is a common complication of immobility?
- A. Muscle hypertrophy.
- B. Pressure ulcers.
- C. Bone fractures.
- D. Joint stiffness.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pressure ulcers. Immobility can lead to pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony prominences. Muscle hypertrophy (Choice A) is not a common complication of immobility; instead, muscle atrophy is more likely to occur due to disuse. Bone fractures (Choice C) can result from trauma but are not directly associated with immobility unless there is a fall or accident. Joint stiffness (Choice D) can develop due to lack of movement but is not as common or severe as pressure ulcers in cases of prolonged immobility.
5. A client scheduled for the surgical creation of an ileal conduit expresses anxiety and asks about having a drainage tube. How should the nurse respond?
- A. I will ask the provider to prescribe you an antianxiety medication.
- B. Would you like to discuss the procedure with your doctor once more?
- C. I think it would be nice to not have to worry about finding a bathroom.
- D. Would you like to speak with someone who has an ileal conduit?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to offer the client the opportunity to speak with someone who has undergone the same procedure. This allows the client to gain insight, ask questions, and share concerns with someone who has firsthand experience, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote a positive self-image. Seeking an antianxiety medication does not address the client's emotional concerns or promote a positive attitude towards the procedure. Discussing the procedure with the doctor again may provide more information but may not offer the same level of emotional support and understanding as speaking with someone who has lived through the experience. Commenting on the convenience of not having to search for a bathroom minimizes the client's anxiety and overlooks the emotional aspect of the client's concerns.
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