HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam
1. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient who is newly admitted to the intensive care unit. The nurse reviews the patient’s admission electrolytes and notes a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Administer the digoxin and monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram closely.
- B. Hold the digoxin dose and notify the provider of the patient’s lab values.
- C. Request an order for an intravenous bolus of potassium.
- D. Request an order for oral potassium supplements.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario presented, the patient has a low serum potassium level, which can predispose the patient to digoxin toxicity. It is essential for the nurse to hold the digoxin dose and promptly notify the healthcare provider of the abnormal lab values. Option A is incorrect because administering digoxin without addressing the low potassium level can potentiate toxicity. Option C is inappropriate as potassium should not be given as an IV bolus, especially in the case of hypokalemia. Option D is incorrect because oral potassium supplements may not be sufficient for rapidly correcting severe hypokalemia in an acute care setting.
2. At 14-weeks gestation, a client arrives at the Emergency Center complaining of a dull pain in the right lower quadrant of her abdomen. The LPN/LVN obtains a blood sample and initiates an IV. Thirty minutes after admission, the client reports feeling a sharp abdominal pain and shoulder pain. Assessment findings include diaphoresis, a heart rate of 120 beats/minute, and a blood pressure of 86/48. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Check the hematocrit results.
- B. Administer pain medication.
- C. Increase the rate of IV fluids.
- D. Monitor the client for contractions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client's symptoms suggest hypovolemic shock, possibly due to an ectopic pregnancy. Increasing IV fluids is crucial to stabilize the client by improving blood pressure and perfusion. This intervention helps address the underlying issue of hypovolemia and supports the client's hemodynamic status, which takes priority in this emergent situation.
3. A 4-year-old child with a history of asthma is brought to the clinic with a complaint of cough and wheezing. The nurse notes that the child has been using a rescue inhaler more frequently over the past week. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Review the child’s asthma action plan
- B. Administer a dose of the rescue inhaler
- C. Instruct the parents to increase the dose of the controller medication
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment in one week
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the best course of action for the nurse is to review the child's asthma action plan. By doing so, the nurse can assess the current asthma management, ensure that the child is using the rescue inhaler correctly, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Reviewing the asthma action plan helps in identifying triggers, proper use of medications, and when to seek medical help. Administering a dose of the rescue inhaler without assessing the current management plan may not address the underlying issue. Instructing the parents to increase the dose of the controller medication without proper evaluation can lead to inappropriate medication adjustments. Scheduling a follow-up appointment in one week is not the immediate action needed to address the child's current symptoms.
4. _______ is a lytic enzyme released by the sperm.
- A. Hyaluronidase
- B. Trypsin
- C. Helicase
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyaluronidase is the correct answer. It is a lytic enzyme released by the sperm to help penetrate the egg's protective layer. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas, not released by sperm. Helicase is an enzyme involved in DNA replication, not released by sperm. 'None of the above' is incorrect as hyaluronidase fits the description provided in the question.
5. A client with Cushing's syndrome is being assessed by the nurse. Which of the following clinical manifestations is consistent with this condition?
- A. Moon face
- B. Weight loss
- C. Hyperpigmentation
- D. Hypotension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation consistent with Cushing's syndrome is a 'moon face.' Cushing's syndrome is characterized by fat redistribution, leading to the round and full appearance of the face known as a moon face. Choice B, weight loss, is not common in Cushing's syndrome as patients often experience weight gain. Choice C, hyperpigmentation, is more indicative of Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome. Choice D, hypotension, is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome which often presents with hypertension due to excess cortisol.