HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The client has had a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery 6 hours ago. Which assessment provides the most accurate information about the client's postoperative status?
- A. Radial pulse.
- B. Femoral pulse.
- C. Apical pulse.
- D. Dorsalis pedis pulse.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the dorsalis pedis pulse is crucial after a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery to determine adequate circulation distal to the surgical site. A strong dorsalis pedis pulse indicates sufficient blood flow to the foot, which is essential for monitoring postoperative status. The radial pulse (A) is not the most relevant assessment as it does not provide direct information on circulation in the lower extremities. The femoral pulse (B) may not accurately reflect circulation distal to the surgical site. The apical pulse (C) is used primarily to assess the heartbeat and cardiac function, not circulation in the lower extremities.
2. The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take before starting the transfusion?
- A. Administer pre-transfusion medication
- B. Ensure the client has an adequate fluid intake
- C. Monitor the client's vital signs
- D. Verify the blood type with another nurse
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Verifying the blood type with another nurse is critical before starting a blood transfusion to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. This step ensures that the client receives the correct blood product. Administering pre-transfusion medication, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and monitoring vital signs are important steps during the transfusion process, but verifying the blood type is the most crucial step to ensure patient safety.
3. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to include in the daily plan of care for a client with a burned extremity?
- A. Distal pulse intensity
- B. Skin integrity
- C. Pain levels
- D. Range of motion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Distal pulse intensity. Monitoring distal pulses is crucial to ensure that circulation to the extremity is not compromised. This assessment helps in detecting any signs of decreased circulation, which is vital in managing a burned extremity. While skin integrity (choice B), pain levels (choice C), and range of motion (choice D) are also important assessments, monitoring distal pulse intensity takes precedence as it directly reflects the perfusion status of the affected extremity in a burned client.
4. When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued, and is experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client's laboratory values to validate the existence of which?
- A. Hyperphosphatemia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hypermagnesemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Generalized weakness, muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are manifestations of hypokalemia. Checking the potassium level is essential in this case. Hypocalcemia typically presents with facial muscle spasms, not the symptoms mentioned. Hypermagnesemia does not typically cause the symptoms described. It's important to note that orange juice is high in potassium and would be advisable to drink if the patient was hypokalemic. Loose stools are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
5. The client was placed in restraints due to confusion while hospitalized. The family removes the restraints in the client's presence. After the family leaves, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Apply the restraints to ensure the client's safety.
- B. Reassess the client to determine if restraints are still necessary.
- C. Document the time the family departed and continue monitoring the client.
- D. Contact the healthcare provider for a new order.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's initial action should be to reassess the client to determine if restraints are still necessary following their removal by the family. This reassessment is crucial to evaluate the client's current condition and the need for restraints before considering reapplication. By reassessing first, the nurse ensures that the client's safety is maintained while respecting their autonomy. While documentation and monitoring are important, reassessment takes priority to provide individualized and appropriate care to the client. Contacting the healthcare provider for a new order should occur after reassessment if restraints are deemed necessary.