HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who will receive oral levofloxacin (Levaquin) to treat pneumonia. The patient takes an oral hypoglycemic medication and uses over-the-counter (OTC) antacids to treat occasional heartburn. The patient reports frequent arthritis pain and takes acetaminophen when needed. Which statement by the nurse is correct when teaching this patient?
- A. You may take antacids with levofloxacin to decrease gastrointestinal upset.
- B. You may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for arthritis pain.
- C. You should monitor your serum glucose more closely while taking levofloxacin.
- D. You should take levofloxacin on an empty stomach to improve absorption.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Levofloxacin may increase the effects of oral hypoglycemic medications, so patients taking these should be advised to monitor their serum glucose levels closely.
2. The nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The nurse should notify the physician of which of the following findings?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
- B. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
- C. Decreased urine output.
- D. Increased blood pressure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow is an indication of peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires immediate medical attention. Clear dialysate outflow is a normal finding indicating proper dialysis function and should not raise concern. Decreased urine output may be expected in a client undergoing dialysis due to the removal of excess fluids from the body. Increased blood pressure is a common complication in clients with kidney disease but is not directly related to cloudy dialysate outflow.
3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with coronary artery disease (CAD). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will take my medication only when I have chest pain.
- B. I will follow a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- C. I will avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- D. I will contact my doctor if I experience chest pain or shortness of breath.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The statement indicates a misunderstanding because medication for CAD should be taken as prescribed, not only when chest pain occurs.
4. A nurse is preparing for intershift report when a nurse’s aide pulls an emergency call light in a client’s room. Upon answering the light, the nurse finds a client who returned from surgery earlier in the day experiencing tachycardia and tachypnea. The client’s blood pressure is 88/60 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Calling the physician
- B. Checking the hourly urine output
- C. Checking the IV site for infiltration
- D. Placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs of shock, indicated by tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension. Placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position is the initial action to improve venous return, cardiac output, and subsequently increase blood pressure. This position helps redistribute blood flow to vital organs. Calling the physician should follow once immediate intervention has been initiated. Checking the hourly urine output and IV site are important assessments but are secondary to addressing the client's hemodynamic instability and potential for shock.
5. A female client taking oral contraceptives reports to the nurse that she is experiencing calf pain. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine if the client has also experienced breast tenderness and weight gain.
- B. Encourage the client to begin a regular, daily program of walking and exercise.
- C. Advise the client to notify the healthcare provider for immediate medical attention.
- D. Tell the client to stop taking the medication for a week to see if symptoms subside.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Calf pain is indicative of thrombophlebitis, a serious, life-threatening complication associated with the use of oral contraceptives which requires further assessment and possibly immediate medical intervention.
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