HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The nurse is planning care for an older adult client who experienced a cerebrovascular accident several weeks ago. The client has expressive aphasia and often becomes frustrated with the nursing staff. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Teach the client the use of basic sign language
- B. Speak slowly to the client
- C. Encourage the client's use of picture charts
- D. Ask the client simple questions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client's use of picture charts is the most appropriate intervention for a client with expressive aphasia. Picture charts provide visual cues that can aid in communication and reduce frustration for the client. This intervention can help the client express their needs and thoughts effectively. Teaching sign language (Choice A) may be challenging and not as practical in this situation as it may not address the specific communication barriers caused by expressive aphasia. Speaking slowly (Choice B) may not fully address the communication difficulties associated with expressive aphasia. Asking simple questions (Choice D) may not be effective as the client may have difficulty understanding and responding due to the nature of expressive aphasia.
2. The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection. Which action is most important prior to administering the antibiotic?
- A. Administering a small test dose to determine if hypersensitivity exists
- B. Having epinephrine available in case of a severe hypersensitivity reaction
- C. Monitoring baseline vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure
- D. Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most crucial action before administering an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection is to obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity. This ensures the accurate identification of the causative organism and helps determine the most effective antibiotic therapy. Administering a test dose to detect hypersensitivity is usually reserved for cases with a strong suspicion of allergy to a needed antibiotic. Keeping epinephrine available is important when there is a significant risk of a severe allergic reaction. Monitoring baseline vital signs is essential during antibiotic therapy but is not the top priority before administering the first dose.
3. When preparing a client who has had a total laryngectomy for discharge, what instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Recommend that the client carry suction equipment at all times.
- B. Instruct the client to have writing materials with them at all times.
- C. Tell the client to carry a medic alert card stating that they are a total neck breather.
- D. Tell the client not to travel alone.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most crucial instruction for a client who has had a total laryngectomy is to carry a medic alert card stating that they are a total neck breather. This is important because if they experience a cardiac arrest, mouth-to-neck breathing may be required. Choice A about carrying suction equipment is not the most critical as the client may not always need it. Choice B is not as essential as having a medic alert card. Choice D is not directly related to the client's safety due to their laryngectomy.
4. A client was admitted for a myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock 2 days ago. Which laboratory test result should a nurse expect to find?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 52 mg/dL
- B. Creatinine of 2.3 mg/dL
- C. BUN of 10 mg/dL
- D. BUN/creatinine ratio of 8:1
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In cardiogenic shock, decreased renal perfusion leads to an elevated BUN. Choice A is correct. Creatinine remains normal in cardiogenic shock as it signifies kidney damage, which has not occurred in this case. A low BUN indicates overhydration, malnutrition, or liver damage, which are not typically seen in cardiogenic shock. A low BUN/creatinine ratio is associated with fluid volume excess or acute renal tubular acidosis, not specifically indicative of cardiogenic shock.
5. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who is receiving prednisone 5 mg PO daily for a rash due to contact with poison ivy. Which symptoms should the nurse tell the client to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Rapid weight gain
- B. Abdominal striae
- C. Moon faces
- D. Gastric irritation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid retention, which is a serious side effect of prednisone and should be reported.
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