HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The client with diabetes mellitus should be cautioned by the nurse taking a sulfonylurea that alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking these drugs because they can cause which of the following?
- A. Hypokalemia.
- B. Hyperkalemia.
- C. Hypocalcemia.
- D. Disulfiram (Antabuse)-like symptoms.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Disulfiram (Antabuse)-like symptoms. When a client with diabetes mellitus taking a sulfonylurea consumes alcohol, it can lead to disulfiram-like symptoms, such as nausea, flushing, and palpitations. Choice A, hypokalemia, is incorrect because sulfonylureas do not typically lead to low potassium levels. Choice B, hyperkalemia, is incorrect as sulfonylureas are not associated with high potassium levels. Choice C, hypocalcemia, is also incorrect because sulfonylureas are not known to cause low calcium levels.
2. Which of the following is the description of a normal cervix on speculum examination in a non-pregnant woman of reproductive age?
- A. Bright red mucosa surrounding the cervical os, in turn surrounded by smooth, pink mucosa
- B. Pink mucosa with multiple small, fluid-filled protrusions
- C. Pink, glistening, smooth mucosa of the exocervix, with a small round or fish-mouthed cervical os
- D. Smooth, pink mucosa and a small, fleshy protrusion through the cervical os
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct description of a normal cervix on speculum examination in a non-pregnant woman of reproductive age is pink, glistening, smooth mucosa of the exocervix, with a small round or fish-mouthed cervical os. This appearance is characteristic of a healthy cervix. Choice A is incorrect as a bright red mucosa is not normal. Choice B is incorrect as multiple small, fluid-filled protrusions suggest a different condition. Choice D is incorrect as a fleshy protrusion through the cervical os is abnormal.
3. The home health care nurse is visiting a client who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The client is prescribed repaglinide (Prandin) and metformin (Glucophage) and asks the nurse to explain these medications. The nurse should reinforce which instructions to the client? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Diarrhea can occur secondary to the metformin.
- B. The repaglinide is not taken if a meal is skipped.
- C. The repaglinide is taken 30 minutes before eating.
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Repaglinide is a rapid-acting oral hypoglycemic that should be taken before meals and withheld if the client does not eat. Hypoglycemia is a side effect of repaglinide, so carrying a simple sugar is essential. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and can cause diarrhea. Muscle pain may occur as an adverse effect and should be reported to the HCP.
4. A client with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia is admitted with chest pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer prescribed nitroglycerin.
- B. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
- C. Check the client's vital signs.
- D. Place the client on continuous telemetry.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). This action is crucial in assessing the heart's electrical activity and helps in the evaluation of chest pain. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after obtaining the ECG to confirm the diagnosis. Checking vital signs (Choice C) is important but does not provide direct information about the heart's electrical status. Placing the client on continuous telemetry (Choice D) may be appropriate later but does not provide immediate information on the heart's electrical activity as an ECG does.
5. The charge nurse observes that a demographic screen has been left open on a hallway computer by a nurse who is responding to a call light while the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is involved in a personal phone call. Which action should the charge nurse take first?
- A. Page the unit manager to address the situation.
- B. Close the demographic screen on the computer.
- C. Instruct the UAP to end the phone call immediately.
- D. Send a UAP into the client's room to relieve the nurse.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The charge nurse's first action should be to close the demographic screen on the computer to protect patient confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This immediate response addresses the breach of patient privacy and ensures that patient data is secure, setting the right priority in managing the situation.