HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals
1. The healthcare provider obtains a BP reading of 100/88 in the right arm of a client whose blood pressure is typically 120/60 in the same arm. What action should the healthcare provider implement first?
- A. Use an electronic sphygmomanometer to take the BP every 30 minutes.
- B. Retake the blood pressure in the same arm, deflating the cuff slowly.
- C. Ask another healthcare provider to recheck the blood pressure to compare results.
- D. Obtain another blood pressure cuff and retake the blood pressure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The healthcare provider should first retake the blood pressure in the right arm, deflating the cuff slowly, because a low systolic and high diastolic blood pressure measurement is often the result of deflating the cuff too rapidly. Taking the BP in the same arm ensures consistency and accuracy of the measurement.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with a new diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased heart rate
- B. Increased appetite
- C. Cold intolerance
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In hyperthyroidism, there is an increase in metabolism, leading to symptoms such as increased appetite, weight loss, and heat intolerance. Therefore, the nurse should expect an increased appetite in a client with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decreased heart rate and cold intolerance are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, while weight gain is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism.
3. A client who recently underwent a tracheostomy is being prepared for discharge to home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge plan?
- A. Explain how to use communication tools.
- B. Teach tracheal suctioning techniques.
- C. Encourage self-care and independence.
- D. Demonstrate how to clean the tracheostomy site.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important instruction for a client who recently underwent a tracheostomy is to teach tracheal suctioning techniques. Suctioning helps clear secretions and maintain an open airway, which is critical for the client's respiratory function and overall well-being. While communication tools, self-care, and cleaning the tracheostomy site are important aspects of care, ensuring proper suctioning techniques is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the client's safety.
4. The nurse must delegate some aspects of a homebound client's care to a home health aide. Which intervention should the nurse delegate to the home health aide?
- A. evaluating a pressure sore
- B. applying a prosthetic device
- C. performing a sterile dressing change
- D. assessing the client's need for an elevated toilet seat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: applying a prosthetic device. Home health aides are trained and authorized to assist with the application and management of prosthetic devices for clients. Evaluating a pressure sore (choice A) requires clinical assessment and judgment typically performed by a licensed healthcare provider such as a nurse. Performing a sterile dressing change (choice C) involves aseptic technique and wound care skills that are usually performed by licensed healthcare professionals. Assessing the client's need for an elevated toilet seat (choice D) involves a level of assessment and decision-making that is beyond the scope of practice for a home health aide.
5. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is receiving a new prescription for fluoxetine (Prozac). Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of this medication?
- A. “I should begin feeling less anxious within a few weeks.”
- B. “The drug will help me control my compulsive behaviors.”
- C. “I will need to have a weekly blood test to check my liver function.”
- D. “I should avoid foods that contain tyramine while taking this medication.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Fluoxetine, an SSRI, can help manage symptoms of OCD by assisting in controlling compulsive behaviors rather than directly reducing anxiety. The improvement in symptoms usually occurs over a few weeks. Choice A is incorrect as it provides a timeframe for anxiety improvement, which is not the primary goal of fluoxetine in OCD treatment. Choice C is incorrect as routine blood tests are not typically required with fluoxetine. Choice D is incorrect as avoiding tyramine-containing foods is more relevant for MAOIs, not SSRIs like fluoxetine.