HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
- B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
- C. Fever of 100.4°F
- D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A fever of 100.4°F is the most concerning assessment finding in a client with ESRD scheduled for hemodialysis. This elevation in temperature may indicate an underlying infection, which can lead to serious complications in individuals with compromised renal function. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and deterioration of the client's condition. The other vital signs mentioned, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, while important to monitor, are within acceptable ranges and do not pose an immediate threat like a fever indicative of infection.
2. A client with hyperthyroidism is receiving radioactive iodine therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat hyperthyroidism by destroying thyroid tissue and reducing hormone production. This can lead to an underactive thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is an elevated potassium level, usually not associated with radioactive iodine therapy. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which is also not a common side effect of this therapy. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an elevated calcium level, unrelated to radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.
3. A client recovering from a urologic procedure is being assessed by a nurse. Which assessment finding indicates an obstruction of urine flow?
- A. Severe pain
- B. Overflow incontinence
- C. Hypotension
- D. Blood-tinged urine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Overflow incontinence.' The most common manifestation of urethral stricture after a urologic procedure is obstruction of urine flow. This obstruction can lead to overflow incontinence, which is the involuntary loss of urine when the bladder is distended. Severe pain is not typically associated with an obstruction of urine flow. Hypotension is unrelated to this issue. Blood-tinged urine is not a direct indication of an obstruction of urine flow but may indicate other conditions like trauma or infection.
4. The client is being educated by the healthcare provider about starting a prescribed abstinence therapy with disulfiram (Antabuse). What information should the client understand?
- A. Maintain complete abstinence from alcohol consumption.
- B. Stay alcohol-free for at least 12 hours before the first dose.
- C. Participate in monthly therapy sessions.
- D. Disclose to others that he is receiving disulfiram therapy.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Before starting disulfiram therapy (Antabuse), the client must comprehend the need to remain alcohol-free for a minimum of 12 hours. This is crucial to prevent the unpleasant and potentially dangerous reactions that can occur with concurrent alcohol consumption while on disulfiram. Choice A is incorrect because it mentions heroin or cocaine use, which is not the primary focus when initiating disulfiram therapy. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests therapy sessions, which are not specifically required before starting disulfiram. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to disclose disulfiram therapy to others, but rather to adhere to the abstinence requirement.
5. The client with chronic renal failure is being taught about fluid restrictions by the nurse. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can drink as much water as I want, as long as I limit my salt intake.
- B. I should limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- C. I can skip dialysis sessions if I feel tired.
- D. I can eat whatever I want, as long as I take my medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because clients with chronic renal failure should not skip dialysis sessions. Skipping dialysis can lead to serious complications and worsen the client's condition. It is crucial for clients to understand the importance of adhering to their dialysis schedule for optimal management of chronic renal failure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they demonstrate understanding of fluid restrictions, the need to limit fluid intake to prevent overload, and the importance of medication compliance, respectively. These statements show appropriate knowledge and do not indicate a need for further teaching.