HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. The nurse observes an increased number of blood clots in the drainage tubing of a client with continuous bladder irrigation following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). What is the best initial nursing action?
- A. Provide additional oral fluid intake
- B. Measure the client's intake and output
- C. Increase the flow of the bladder irrigation
- D. Administer a PRN dose of an antispasmodic agent
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best initial nursing action when observing an increased number of blood clots in the drainage tubing of a client with continuous bladder irrigation post-TURP is to increase the flow of the bladder irrigation. This action helps prevent blood clots from obstructing the catheter, ensuring effective drainage and promoting client comfort. Providing additional oral fluid intake (Choice A) is important for overall hydration but may not directly address the issue of blood clots in the drainage tubing. Measuring the client's intake and output (Choice B) is a routine nursing assessment that may not directly address the immediate concern of blood clots obstructing the catheter. Administering a PRN dose of an antispasmodic agent (Choice D) is not the best initial action as it does not directly address the issue of blood clots in the drainage tubing.
2. A new mother who is breastfeeding her 4-week-old infant and has type 1 diabetes reports that her insulin needs have decreased since the birth of her child. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Inform her that a decreased need for insulin occurs while breastfeeding.
- B. Counsel her to increase her caloric intake.
- C. Advise the client to breastfeed more frequently.
- D. Schedule an appointment for the client with the diabetic nurse educator.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. During breastfeeding, insulin needs often decrease due to the metabolic demands of milk production. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client that this decrease in insulin requirements is a normal response to breastfeeding. Choice B is incorrect as increasing caloric intake is not directly related to the decrease in insulin needs during breastfeeding. Choice C is incorrect as advising the client to breastfeed more frequently does not address the issue of decreased insulin needs. Choice D is incorrect as scheduling an appointment with the diabetic nurse educator is not necessary at this point since the decreased need for insulin is a common physiological response to breastfeeding.
3. A client with Addison's disease becomes confused and weak. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Administer a dose of hydrocortisone immediately.
- B. Check the client’s electrolyte levels.
- C. Administer a dose of normal saline.
- D. Measure the client’s blood pressure in both arms.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a dose of hydrocortisone immediately. In Addison's disease, confusion and weakness can be signs of an adrenal crisis. Administering hydrocortisone promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Checking electrolyte levels (Choice B) is important but not the first action in managing an acute adrenal crisis. Administering normal saline (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Measuring blood pressure in both arms (Choice D) is not the initial action needed to address the client's confusion and weakness in Addison's disease.
4. A male client with heart failure becomes short of breath, anxious, and has pink frothy sputum. What is the first action the nurse should take?
- A. Consult the charge nurse about administering morphine.
- B. Administer the morphine sulfate as prescribed.
- C. Withhold the morphine until the dyspnea resolves.
- D. Review the need for the morphine prescription with the provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer the morphine sulfate as prescribed. In this situation, the client is experiencing symptoms of acute pulmonary edema, a complication of heart failure. Morphine is indicated as it helps reduce anxiety and respiratory distress by decreasing preload and afterload. It dilates blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart and improving oxygenation. The priority is to administer the morphine promptly to alleviate the client's distress and improve oxygenation. Consulting the charge nurse (A) or reviewing the need for the morphine prescription with the provider (D) would cause a delay in providing essential treatment. Withholding the morphine (C) would not be appropriate as it is indicated for this condition.
5. Which of the following are examples of external genitalia?
- A. Mons veneris
- B. Labia majora
- C. Vagina
- D. Cervix
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mons veneris. The mons veneris and labia majora are considered external genitalia as they are visible externally. The vagina and cervix, on the other hand, are internal structures. The vagina is the canal leading from the external genitals to the cervix, which is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus.