HESI RN
HESI Quizlet Fundamentals
1. The client is being taught about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?
- A. Remove needle before discarding used syringes
- B. Wear gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe
- C. Don a face mask before administering the medication
- D. Wash hands before handling the needle and syringe
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Washing hands before handling needles and syringes is a crucial aspect of standard precautions to prevent infections. This practice helps reduce the risk of transferring microorganisms from the hands to the syringes and needles, thus promoting safety during medication administration.
2. A client with a history of seizures is being discharged with a prescription for phenytoin (Dilantin). Which instruction should the nurse provide this client?
- A. Take the medication with meals
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- C. Limit sodium intake
- D. Take the medication at bedtime
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction is to advise the client to avoid alcohol while taking phenytoin. Alcohol can interact with phenytoin, making it less effective and leading to increased side effects. Taking the medication with meals (Choice A) may help reduce gastrointestinal upset but is not the most crucial instruction for this medication. Limiting sodium intake (Choice C) is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Taking the medication at bedtime (Choice D) is not a standard instruction for phenytoin administration.
3. A loading dose of terbutaline (Brethine) 250 mcg IV is prescribed for a client in preterm labor. Brethine 20 mg is added to 1,000 mL of D5W. How many milliliters of the solution should the nurse administer?
- A. 45
- B. 15 mL
- C. 4
- D. 13
Correct answer: D
Rationale: To calculate the amount of terbutaline to administer, first convert the dose to the same unit. 250 mcg = 0.25 mg. Next, set up a proportion: 20 mg is to 1000 mL as 0.25 mg is to X mL. Cross multiply and solve for X: 20 × X = 0.25 × 1000. X = (0.25 × 1000) / 20 = 12.5 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 13 mL of the solution. Choice A is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation. Choice B is incorrect as it does not consider the accurate conversion and calculation. Choice C is incorrect as it is not the result of the correct proportion calculation.
4. In the newborn nursery, the nurse admits a baby from labor and delivery who is suspected of having a congenital heart disease. Which finding helps to confirm this diagnosis?
- A. Pink lips and tongue with cyanotic hands and feet
- B. Respiration rate of 40 and heart rate of 144
- C. Centralized cyanosis and tachycardia when crying
- D. Desquamation from areas of cracked, parchment-like skin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Centralized cyanosis and tachycardia are classic signs of congenital heart disease. Choice A is incorrect because cyanosis in the hands and feet is not specific to congenital heart disease. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs provided are not specific indicators of congenital heart disease. Choice D is unrelated to the typical signs of congenital heart disease.
5. The home health nurse is preparing to make daily visits to a group of clients. Which client should the nurse visit first?
- A. A client with congestive heart failure who reports a 3-pound weight gain in the last two days
- B. A client with a healing surgical wound
- C. A client requiring wound dressing change
- D. A client with stable vital signs needing medication administration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 3-pound weight gain in two days indicates fluid retention and worsening heart failure, which requires immediate assessment. This could be a sign of decompensation in the client's condition, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention. Choices B, C, and D do not present an immediate threat to the client's health and can be addressed after assessing the client with congestive heart failure.