HESI RN
HESI Leadership and Management
1. The nurse is caring for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Weight loss
- C. Cold intolerance
- D. Diaphoresis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolic rate is decreased, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This results in a feeling of being cold most of the time. Tachycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Weight loss (Choice B) and diaphoresis (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism, where there is an increased metabolic rate and excess heat production.
2. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL
- B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
- C. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL
- D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A total calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and indicates possible hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroid surgery. This condition can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. Blood glucose within normal range, sodium, and potassium levels are not indicative of an immediate postoperative complication like hypocalcemia in this case.
3. What action should the nurse take if an infant, who was born yesterday weighing 7.5 lbs (3,402 grams), weighs 7 lbs (3,175 grams) today?
- A. Inform and assure the mother that this is normal weight loss.
- B. Encourage the mother to increase the frequency of breastfeeding.
- C. After verifying the accuracy of weight, notify the healthcare provider.
- D. Monitor the stool and urine output of the neonate for the last 24 hours.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to inform and assure the mother that this weight loss is normal. Newborns can lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth, which is attributed to fluid loss and adjustment to life outside the womb. This weight loss is typically regained within the first two weeks of life. It is crucial for the nurse to educate and provide reassurance to the mother about this common occurrence in newborns.
4. A client with hypothyroidism is experiencing severe lethargy and cold intolerance. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Increase the dose of levothyroxine.
- B. Administer a PRN dose of antipyretic medication.
- C. Provide a warm blanket and increase the room temperature.
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the dose of levothyroxine. In hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy and cold intolerance. Increasing the dose of levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, helps correct the deficiency and alleviates the symptoms. Choice B, administering antipyretic medication, is incorrect as antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not treat hypothyroidism symptoms. Choice C, providing a warm blanket and increasing room temperature, may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying hormonal deficiency. Choice D, increasing fluid intake, is important for overall health but does not directly address the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
5. An older adult client with eye dryness reports itching and excessive tearing. Which medication group is most likely to have produced this client's symptoms?
- A. Antiinfectives and antidepressants.
- B. Anticoagulants and antihistamines.
- C. Antiretrovirals and antivirals.
- D. Antihypertensives and anticholinergics.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Antihypertensives and anticholinergics. Anticholinergics are known to cause dryness of secretions, including dry eyes, which can lead to symptoms of eye dryness, itching, and excessive tearing as reported by the client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not typically cause the symptoms described by the client. Antiinfectives, antidepressants, anticoagulants, antihistamines, antiretrovirals, and antivirals do not commonly lead to dry eyes, itching, and excessive tearing.