HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The client is preparing a morning dose of insulin, which includes 10 units of regular and 22 units of NPH. The nurse is verifying the client's preparation accuracy. What should the syringe read for the correct dose?
- A. 22 units.
- B. 10 units.
- C. 32 units.
- D. 42 units.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 32 units. To determine the correct dose, the nurse needs to add the 10 units of regular insulin to the 22 units of NPH, resulting in a total of 32 units. Therefore, the syringe should read 32 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate total dose required for the morning insulin administration.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease starts on hemodialysis. During the first dialysis treatment, the client's blood pressure drops from 150/90 to 80/30. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Stop the dialysis treatment
- B. Administer 5% albumin IV
- C. Monitor blood pressure every 45 minutes
- D. Lower the head of the chair and elevate feet
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take when a client's blood pressure drops significantly during hemodialysis is to lower the head of the chair and elevate the feet. This position adjustment helps improve blood flow to the brain and vital organs, assisting in stabilizing blood pressure. Stopping the dialysis treatment immediately may not be necessary if the blood pressure can be managed effectively by position changes. Administering 5% albumin IV is not the first-line intervention for hypotension during dialysis. Monitoring blood pressure every 45 minutes is important but not the immediate action needed to address the significant drop in blood pressure observed during the dialysis session.
3. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who will receive digoxin to treat a cardiac dysrhythmia. The patient takes hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and reports regular use of over-the-counter laxatives. Before administering the first dose of digoxin, the nurse will review the patient’s electrolytes with careful attention to the levels of which electrolytes?
- A. Calcium and magnesium
- B. Sodium and calcium
- C. Potassium and chloride
- D. Potassium and magnesium
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Before administering digoxin, the nurse must review the patient's electrolyte levels, focusing on potassium and magnesium. Hypomagnesemia, similar to hypokalemia, can enhance the action of digitalis and lead to digitalis toxicity. Laxatives and diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, can deplete both potassium and magnesium. Therefore, monitoring these electrolytes is crucial to prevent potential adverse effects associated with digoxin therapy. Choice A (Calcium and magnesium) is incorrect because calcium levels are not specifically mentioned as crucial for digoxin therapy. Choice B (Sodium and calcium) is incorrect as sodium is not typically monitored in relation to digoxin therapy. Choice C (Potassium and chloride) is incorrect because although potassium is vital, chloride is not typically associated with digoxin therapy.
4. When monitoring a client who is receiving tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), the nurse should have resuscitation equipment available because reperfusion of the cardiac tissue can result in which of the following?
- A. Cardiac arrhythmias.
- B. Hypertension.
- C. Seizures.
- D. Hypothermia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac arrhythmias. Reperfusion of cardiac tissue following t-PA administration can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating resuscitation equipment. Hypertension (choice B) is a common side effect of t-PA but is not directly related to reperfusion. Seizures (choice C) and hypothermia (choice D) are not typically associated with reperfusion from t-PA administration.
5. How can a nurse best help a client undergoing a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, along with two upset family members, manage anxiety during the procedure?
- A. Allow the client's family to stay for emotional support.
- B. Accompany the client silently.
- C. Encourage the client to take slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation.
- D. Provide the client an opportunity to verbalize emotions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to take slow, deep breaths is an effective way for the nurse to help the client manage anxiety during the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedure. Slow, deep breathing can promote relaxation and help reduce anxiety levels. Choice A, allowing the client's family to stay for emotional support, may provide comfort but does not address a direct intervention to help manage anxiety. Choice B, staying with the client silently, may not actively help the client address their anxiety. Choice D, allowing the client to express feelings, is important but may not directly address anxiety management during the procedure.
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