HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider provides dietary instructions about iron-rich food to a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which food selection made by the client indicates a need for additional instructions?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidney beans
- C. Oranges
- D. Leafy green vegetables
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Oranges are not a good source of iron, so selecting oranges indicates a need for additional instructions. Oranges are high in vitamin C, which can enhance iron absorption from other sources, but they are not rich in iron themselves. Liver, kidney beans, and leafy green vegetables are good sources of iron and would be beneficial for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
2. A client with Herpes Zoster (shingles) on the thorax tells the nurse about having difficulty sleeping. What is the probable cause of this problem?
- A. Frequent cough
- B. Pain
- C. Nocturia
- D. Dyspnea
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pain. Pain is a common and significant symptom of Herpes Zoster (shingles) that can result in difficulty sleeping. The pain associated with shingles can be intense and persistent, making it challenging for the client to find a comfortable position to sleep. Nocturia (choice C), which is excessive urination during the night, is not directly related to difficulty sleeping in this context. While both frequent cough (choice A) and dyspnea (choice D) can cause sleep disturbances, in a client with Herpes Zoster on the thorax, pain is the most probable cause of sleep difficulty.
3. An emergency department nurse assesses a client with a history of urinary incontinence who presents with extreme dry mouth, constipation, and an inability to void. Which question should the nurse ask first?
- A. Are you drinking plenty of water?
- B. What medications are you taking?
- C. Have you tried laxatives or enemas?
- D. Has this type of thing ever happened before?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's symptoms of dry mouth, constipation, and inability to void are indicative of anticholinergic side effects, which can be caused by medications like propantheline (Pro-Banthine) commonly used to treat incontinence. The first question the nurse should ask is about the client's medications to determine if they are taking anticholinergic drugs. This information is crucial as it can help differentiate between a simple side effect or a potential overdose. Asking about water intake (Choice A) may be relevant later but is not the priority in this situation. Questioning about laxatives or enemas (Choice C) and past occurrences (Choice D) are not as pertinent initially as identifying the client's current medication status.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). The nurse learns that the patient takes an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. To monitor for drug interactions, the nurse will request an order for which laboratory test(s)?
- A. A complete blood count
- B. BUN and creatinine
- C. Electrolytes
- D. Glucose
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C. Electrolytes.' When trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is taken with an ACE inhibitor, there is an increased risk of hyperkalemia due to the combined effects on potassium levels. Monitoring electrolytes, specifically potassium, is essential to detect and manage this potential drug interaction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important tests in general patient care, they are not specifically indicated to monitor for the drug interaction between TMP-SMX and ACE inhibitors.
5. Upon arrival of a client transferred to the surgical unit, what should the nurse plan to do first?
- A. Assess the patency of the airway
- B. Check tubes and drains for patency
- C. Check the dressing for bleeding
- D. Assess the vital signs to compare them with preoperative measurements
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The initial action for the nurse upon the arrival of a client to the surgical unit is to assess the patency of the airway. This step takes priority to ensure that the client has a clear airway for adequate breathing. Checking tubes and drains for patency, inspecting the dressing for bleeding, and assessing vital signs to compare with preoperative measurements are important subsequent steps in the assessment process. However, ensuring the airway is patent is the immediate priority to maintain the client's respiratory function and overall well-being.
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