HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider notes a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg in a patient taking a thiazide diuretic. The patient reports taking an herbal medication that a friend recommended. Which herbal product is likely, given this patient’s blood pressure?
- A. Ginkgo
- B. Hawthorn
- C. Licorice
- D. St. John’s wort
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ginkgo. Increased blood pressure can result when ginkgo is used in combination with a thiazide diuretic. Option B (Hawthorn) is incorrect because hawthorn is more commonly associated with lowering blood pressure. Option C (Licorice) is incorrect because licorice can lead to sodium and water retention, potentially exacerbating hypertension. Option D (St. John’s wort) is incorrect as it is not typically associated with significant blood pressure effects.
2. A client with a diagnosis of hypothermia is being admitted to the hospital by a nurse. Which of the following signs does the nurse anticipate that this client will exhibit?
- A. Increased heart rate and increased blood pressure
- B. Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure
- C. Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hypothermia decreases the heart rate and blood pressure due to reduced metabolic needs of the body. With lower metabolic demands, the heart's workload decreases, leading to reductions in both heart rate and blood pressure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hypothermia typically results in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, not an increase.
3. The client is being educated by the nurse on home blood glucose monitoring. Which of the following blood glucose measurements indicates hypoglycemia?
- A. 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
- B. 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
- C. 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L)
- D. 119 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low blood sugar level. This level requires immediate attention as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. Choices B, C, and D have blood glucose levels within the normal range or slightly higher, indicating euglycemia or normal blood sugar levels, and not hypoglycemia.
4. What is the most common side effect of diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix)?
- A. Hypokalemia.
- B. Hyperkalemia.
- C. Hypernatremia.
- D. Hyponatremia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hypokalemia.' Diuretics like furosemide increase the excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia as a common side effect. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is the opposite condition characterized by high potassium levels, which is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hypernatremia (choice C) is increased sodium levels, while hyponatremia (choice D) is decreased sodium levels, neither of which are the most common side effects of furosemide. Therefore, choice A is the best answer.
5. The client with chronic renal failure is receiving education on managing fluid intake. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can drink as much water as I want.
- B. I should increase my intake of high-sodium foods.
- C. I can skip a dialysis session if I feel tired.
- D. I can eat whatever I want as long as I take my medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. Clients with chronic renal failure should not skip dialysis sessions, as this can lead to serious complications. Dialysis is crucial for managing fluid and electrolyte balance in these clients. Choice A is incorrect because clients with renal failure often have fluid restrictions. Choice B is incorrect as high-sodium foods can worsen fluid retention in clients with renal failure. Choice D is incorrect because dietary restrictions are important in managing chronic renal failure, and eating whatever one wants can lead to further complications.
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