HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. The UAP is positioning a newly admitted client with a seizure disorder in a supine position. The UAP is placing soft pillows along the side rails. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the UAP to obtain soft blankets to secure to the side rails instead of pillows
- B. Ensure that the UAP has placed pillows effectively to protect the client
- C. Ask the UAP to use some pillows to prop the client in a side-lying position
- D. Assume responsibility for placing the pillows while the UAP completes another task
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To prevent the risk of suffocation, soft blankets are preferred over pillows for padding side rails in clients with seizure disorders. Pillows can pose a suffocation hazard, especially during a seizure episode when the client's movements may be uncontrolled. Instructing the UAP to use soft blankets instead of pillows is crucial for ensuring the client's safety. Choice B is incorrect because pillows can be hazardous during a seizure. Choice C is incorrect as side-lying position may not be appropriate for a client with a seizure disorder. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the safety concern related to using pillows.
2. A client with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is receiving atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Serum potassium level
- C. Liver function tests (LFTs)
- D. Serum cholesterol level
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To evaluate the effectiveness of atorvastatin (Lipitor), the nurse should monitor liver function tests (LFTs) (C) because this medication can impact liver function. Complete blood count (CBC) (A), serum potassium level (B), and serum cholesterol level (D) are not directly indicative of the medication's effectiveness in managing coronary artery disease.
3. A client is 2 days post-op from thoracic surgery and is complaining of incisional pain. The client last received pain medication 2 hours ago. He is rating his pain as a 5 on a 1-10 scale. After calling the provider, what is the nurse's next action?
- A. Instruct the client to use guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing
- B. Provide at least 20 minutes of back massage and gentle effleurage
- C. Encourage the client to watch TV
- D. Place a hot water circulation device, such as an Aqua K pad, to the operative site
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, since no additional pain medication is available, the nurse should recommend non-pharmacological pain management techniques. Guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing can help the client manage incisional pain effectively. These techniques can provide distraction and relaxation, potentially reducing the perception of pain without the need for additional medication.
4. The client has removed the covering from an ice pack applied to his knee. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Observe the appearance of the skin under the ice pack.
- B. Instruct the client regarding the importance of the covering.
- C. Reapply the covering after filling it with fresh ice.
- D. Ask the client how long the ice pack was applied to the skin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary action for the nurse is to assess the skin under the ice pack to check for any potential thermal injury. This assessment is crucial to ensure the client's safety. Once the skin assessment is done and no harm is found, the nurse can proceed with other necessary actions such as providing instructions to the client or replacing the covering with fresh ice.
5. The client has a chest tube. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Ensure the chest tube remains unclamped at all times.
- B. Empty the chest tube every 2 hours.
- C. Keep the drainage system below the level of the chest.
- D. Assess for subcutaneous emphysema.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the drainage system below the level of the chest (C) is crucial to ensure proper drainage and prevent backflow of air or fluid into the chest cavity. This position helps maintain the integrity of the closed drainage system. Ensuring the chest tube remains unclamped at all times (A) allows for continuous drainage. Emptying the chest tube (B) should be done as needed, not routinely every 2 hours. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema (D) is important but not the most critical action in this scenario.
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