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. The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving furosemide (Lasix) and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The nurse will be most concerned if the patient reports which symptom?
- A. Dizziness
- B. Dysuria
- C. Nausea
- D. Tinnitus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tinnitus. When furosemide and an aminoglycoside antibiotic are used together, there is an increased risk of ototoxicity. Tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, is a common early sign of ototoxicity. Dizziness (choice A) is a common side effect of furosemide but not specifically related to this drug interaction. Dysuria (choice B) is painful urination and is not directly associated with this drug combination. Nausea (choice C) is a common side effect of furosemide but is not specifically indicative of ototoxicity caused by the drug interaction.
3. The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN). Findings include moderate edema and oliguria. Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine are elevated. What dietary modifications are most appropriate?
- A. Decreased carbohydrates and fat
- B. Decreased sodium and potassium
- C. Increased potassium and protein
- D. Increased sodium and fluids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased sodium and potassium.' In acute glomerulonephritis, managing edema and oliguria is crucial. Reducing sodium and potassium intake helps achieve this by decreasing fluid retention and workload on the kidneys. Choice A, 'Decreased carbohydrates and fat,' is not directly related to managing AGN. Choice C, 'Increased potassium and protein,' is incorrect as increasing potassium can be harmful in kidney conditions. Choice D, 'Increased sodium and fluids,' is also incorrect as it can exacerbate edema and hypertension in AGN.
4. A client is admitted with a suspected gastrointestinal bleed. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Bright red blood in the vomit.
- B. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
- C. Coffee ground emesis.
- D. Dark, tarry stools.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate the presence of digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract, signifying a higher gastrointestinal bleed. This finding requires immediate intervention due to the potential severity of the bleed. Bright red blood in the vomit may indicate active bleeding but is not as concerning as digested blood. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are common responses to bleeding but do not provide direct evidence of the source or severity of the bleed. Coffee ground emesis is indicative of partially digested blood and is a concern but not as urgent as dark, tarry stools.
5. Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction by which offspring arise from:
- A. Two identical cells
- B. A single cell
- C. Two cells
- D. Four daughter cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction where a single parent cell divides to produce genetically identical offspring. The correct answer is 'B: A single cell' because asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of two cells. Choice A ('Two identical cells') is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not involve two cells. Choice C ('Two cells') is incorrect because asexual reproduction typically involves only one parent cell. Choice D ('Four daughter cells') is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not necessarily involve the production of four daughter cells.