HESI RN
Biology Test
1. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
- A. There is no difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
- B. Saturated fatty acids contain double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
- C. Saturated fatty acids often contain two or more pairs of double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
- D. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds, unlike unsaturated fatty acids.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains, making them more solid at room temperature. Choice A is incorrect because there is a significant difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately states that saturated fatty acids contain double bonds, which is a property of unsaturated fatty acids. Choice C is also incorrect as saturated fatty acids do not contain double bonds, let alone two or more pairs of double bonds.
2. A client with hyperparathyroidism is preparing for surgery. Which preoperative lab finding is most important to report?
- A. Elevated serum calcium.
- B. Decreased serum albumin.
- C. Elevated serum potassium.
- D. Elevated serum magnesium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevated serum calcium. In hyperparathyroidism, elevated calcium levels can lead to complications such as kidney stones, bone pain, and fractures. During surgery, high calcium levels can affect neuromuscular function, cardiac function, and blood clotting. Therefore, it is crucial to report elevated serum calcium levels preoperatively to prevent potential surgical complications. Choices B, C, and D are not directly associated with hyperparathyroidism and are less likely to impact the surgical outcome in this scenario.
3. When speaking with a group of teens, which side effect of chemotherapy for cancer would the nurse expect this group to be more interested in discussing?
- A. Mouth sores
- B. Fatigue
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Hair loss
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hair loss is the correct answer. Teens are often more concerned about hair loss because of its visible impact and social implications. While mouth sores, fatigue, and diarrhea are also common side effects of chemotherapy, hair loss tends to be a significant concern for teens due to its effect on self-image and confidence.
4. The healthcare professional counts an adult's apical heartbeat at 110 beats per minute. The healthcare professional describes this as:
- A. Asystole
- B. Bigeminy
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. In this case, an adult's heart rate of 110 beats per minute falls within the range of tachycardia. Tachycardia can be a common physiological response to various stresses on the body, leading to an increased heart rate. Asystole refers to the absence of cardiac activity, bigeminy is a specific heart rhythm pattern, and bradycardia is a heart rate below 60 beats per minute in adults.
5. A client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 liters per minute. Which assessment finding indicates a need for immediate action?
- A. The client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths per minute.
- B. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
- C. The client reports shortness of breath.
- D. The client's respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A report of shortness of breath (C) indicates that the client is not tolerating the oxygen therapy well and may need an adjustment. Shortness of breath is a critical symptom in a client with COPD, as it signifies potential respiratory distress. A respiratory rate of 14 (A) is within an acceptable range for a client with COPD and does not require immediate action. An oxygen saturation of 92% (B) is slightly lower but still acceptable in COPD patients. Although a respiratory rate of 24 (D) is higher, it is not as immediately concerning as shortness of breath in this context.