HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The client with chronic renal failure is receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Administer the prescribed antibiotics.
- B. Monitor for signs of infection.
- C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- D. Monitor the client's weight daily.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in clients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis is a severe complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, making it essential to promptly identify any signs of infection, such as abdominal pain, cloudy dialysate, fever, and an elevated white blood cell count. Administering antibiotics without proper assessment can lead to antibiotic resistance and should not be the initial action. Encouraging increased fluid intake may not be appropriate without assessing the client's fluid status. Monitoring weight alone does not address the immediate risk of peritonitis in a client undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
2. A nurse has started a group for senior citizens in a church setting. The group decides that their first project will be to begin a program for home-bound members. Which program outcome is the best measure of the project's effectiveness?
- A. number of home-bound seniors who are visited
- B. number of church members who are over 65
- C. average annual income for the homebound members
- D. calls received showing interest in the program
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The number of home-bound seniors visited is the best measure of the project's effectiveness as it directly reflects the reach and impact of the program. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the effectiveness of the program for home-bound seniors. Choice C is irrelevant as the average annual income of home-bound members is not a direct measure of the program's effectiveness. Choice D, calls showing interest, is not as direct a measure as the actual visits to the home-bound seniors.
3. When developing a plan of care for a male client admitted with delirium tremens, who is dehydrated, experiencing auditory hallucinations, has a bruised, swollen tongue, and is confused, what action should the RN include to ensure the client is physiologically stable?
- A. Encourage oral fluids.
- B. Monitor vital signs.
- C. Keep the room dark.
- D. Apply ice to his tongue.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring vital signs is the priority action to ensure the physiological stability of a client with delirium tremens. In this scenario, the client's dehydration, confusion, and other symptoms necessitate close monitoring of vital signs to assess their condition accurately. Encouraging oral fluids (Choice A) is important for hydration but does not directly assess physiological stability. Keeping the room dark (Choice C) may help with hallucinations but is not the primary intervention for physiological stability. Applying ice to the tongue (Choice D) addresses a symptom but is less critical compared to monitoring vital signs in this situation.
4. Prior to obtaining a trapeze bar for a client with limited mobility, which client assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Balance and coordination
- B. Cognitive status
- C. Level of pain
- D. Upper body muscle strength
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Upper body muscle strength. The ability to use a trapeze bar requires adequate upper body strength to support the weight and facilitate repositioning. While assessing pain, coordination, and cognitive status are important, the priority is determining if the client can physically manage the trapeze bar safely. Without sufficient upper body muscle strength, the client may not be able to use the trapeze bar effectively and safely. Assessing balance and coordination is also important but secondary to ensuring the client has the required upper body strength. Cognitive status is crucial for understanding instructions related to using the trapeze bar, but it is not the most critical assessment in this scenario. Pain assessment is essential for overall care but does not directly impact the client's ability to use a trapeze bar like upper body muscle strength does.
5. The nurse is conducting postpartum teaching with a mother who is breastfeeding her infant. When discussing birth control which method should the nurse recommend to this client as best for her to use in preventing unwanted pregnancy?
- A. Breastfeed exclusively at least every 3 to 4 hours.
- B. Condoms and contraceptive foam or gel.
- C. Rhythm method (natural family planning).
- D. Combined estrogen-progesterone oral contraceptives.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Condoms and contraceptive foam or gel are safe options for breastfeeding mothers and do not affect milk supply.