HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone
1. The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which information in the client's admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood pressure reading?
- A. Frequent syncope
- B. Muscle rigidity
- C. Gait instability
- D. Fine motor tremors
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Frequent syncope.' Orthostatic hypotension, common in Parkinson's disease, often causes syncope (fainting) when blood pressure drops upon standing. This information is critical for planning safe blood pressure measurements, ensuring readings are taken in both lying and standing positions to assess for sudden drops in pressure. Muscle rigidity, tremors, or gait instability are important symptoms in Parkinson's disease but are not directly related to blood pressure assessment.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
- A. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL.
- B. Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L.
- C. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L.
- D. Arterial blood pH of 7.30.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An arterial blood pH of 7.30 indicates the client is in acidosis, which is a life-threatening condition in DKA. Immediate intervention is required to correct the acidosis and prevent further complications such as organ failure or coma. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL is elevated but not an immediate threat to life in comparison to acidosis. Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L and serum sodium of 135 mEq/L are within normal ranges and do not warrant immediate intervention in the context of DKA.
3. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of a client who has had a stroke. The client is experiencing severe dysphagia with choking and coughing while eating. Which of the following nutritional therapies should the nurse expect to include in the plan of care?
- A. NPO until dysphagia subsides
- B. Supplements via NG tube
- C. Initiation of total parenteral nutrition
- D. Mechanical soft diet
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mechanical soft diet. A mechanical soft diet is appropriate for clients with severe dysphagia as it helps reduce the risk of choking and aspiration by providing food that is easier to swallow. Choice A, NPO until dysphagia subsides, may be necessary initially but is not a long-term solution. Choice B, supplements via NG tube, may be considered if the client is unable to meet their nutritional needs orally, but it does not address the texture modification needed for dysphagia. Choice C, initiation of total parenteral nutrition, is typically reserved for clients who cannot tolerate any oral intake and is not the first-line option for dysphagia management.
4. After observing a mother giving her 11-month-old ferrous sulfate followed by two ounces of orange juice, what should the nurse do next?
- A. Suggest placing the iron drops in the orange juice and feed the infant.
- B. Advise the mother to follow the iron drops with formula instead of orange juice.
- C. Instruct the mother to feed the infant nothing in the next 30 minutes after the iron.
- D. Give positive feedback about the way she administered the sulfate.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Providing positive feedback is essential in reinforcing correct behaviors. By praising the mother for properly administering the ferrous sulfate to her 11-month-old, the nurse can encourage her to continue following the correct procedure. This positive reinforcement can boost the mother's confidence and adherence to the recommended administration method, ultimately benefiting the infant's health.
5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis has just been prescribed methotrexate. What teaching should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
- C. Take folic acid supplements to prevent anemia.
- D. Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.' Methotrexate increases photosensitivity, so clients should be advised to use sunscreen to protect their skin from sun exposure. Choice A is incorrect because methotrexate is usually taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B may be important but is not specific to methotrexate therapy. Choice C is also important, but the primary reason for folic acid supplementation with methotrexate is to reduce the risk of certain side effects like anemia rather than preventing anemia itself.