HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) to a patient. When reviewing the patient’s chart, the nurse notes that the patient previously experienced a rash when taking amoxicillin. What is the nurse’s next action?
- A. Administer the drug and observe closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
- B. Ask the provider whether a cephalosporin from a different generation may be used.
- C. Contact the provider to report drug hypersensitivity.
- D. Notify the provider and suggest an oral cephalosporin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient has a history of a rash with amoxicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic like ceftriaxone should be administered cautiously due to a possible cross-reactivity. The nurse should still administer the drug but closely monitor the patient for any signs of hypersensitivity reactions. Asking for a different generation of cephalosporin or suggesting an oral form does not address the potential cross-reactivity issue. Contacting the provider to report drug hypersensitivity would delay care when the patient needs immediate treatment.
2. Which of the following is the best indicator of long-term glycemic control in a patient with diabetes?
- A. Fasting blood glucose levels.
- B. Postprandial blood glucose levels.
- C. Hemoglobin A1c.
- D. Random blood glucose levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months, providing a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control. Fasting blood glucose levels (choice A) only offer a snapshot of the current glucose level and can fluctuate throughout the day. Postprandial blood glucose levels (choice B) reflect glucose levels after meals but do not give a comprehensive view of long-term control. Random blood glucose levels (choice D) are taken at any time and lack the consistency needed to assess long-term glycemic control effectively. Therefore, Hemoglobin A1c is the superior choice for monitoring and managing diabetes over an extended period.
3. After teaching a client with nephrotic syndrome and a normal glomerular filtration rate, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition?
- A. I must decrease my intake of fat.
- B. I will increase my intake of protein.
- C. A decreased intake of carbohydrates will be required.
- D. An increased intake of vitamin C is necessary.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, there is significant renal loss of protein leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema formation. If glomerular filtration is normal or near normal, increased protein loss should be matched by an increased intake of protein. Therefore, the correct statement indicating a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition is increasing protein intake. Decreasing fat, decreasing carbohydrates, or increasing vitamin C intake is not necessary for addressing the underlying issues associated with nephrotic syndrome.
4. After a urography, a client is instructed by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client’s discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid direct contact with your urine for 24 hours until the dye clears.
- B. You may experience dribbling of urine for several weeks post-procedure.
- C. Drink at least 3 liters of fluids today to assist in dye elimination.
- D. Your skin may turn slightly yellow from the dye used in this procedure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: It is important for the client to increase fluid intake to aid in the rapid elimination of the potentially nephrotoxic dye used in urography. This instruction will help prevent any adverse effects related to the dye. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the dye used in urography is not radioactive, so there is no need to avoid direct contact with urine, urine dribbling is not a common post-procedure occurrence, and the dye should not cause the client's skin to change color.
5. The patient is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection and taking acetaminophen for pain. The nurse should expect to review which lab values when monitoring for this drug’s side effects?
- A. Complete blood counts
- B. Electrolytes
- C. Liver enzymes
- D. Urinalysis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic, in combination with acetaminophen, a potentially hepatotoxic drug, the nurse should monitor liver enzymes. High doses of macrolides when taken with hepatotoxic drugs like acetaminophen can lead to hepatotoxicity. Reviewing liver enzymes helps in early detection of liver damage. Complete blood counts (Choice A) are not typically affected by azithromycin or acetaminophen. Electrolytes (Choice B) are not directly impacted by these medications. Urinalysis (Choice D) is not specifically indicated for monitoring the side effects of azithromycin and acetaminophen combination therapy.
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