HESI RN
HESI 799 RN Exit Exam
1. Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a client with myasthenia gravis?
- A. Encourage the client to rest frequently.
- B. Administer medication 30 minutes before meals.
- C. Maintain a patent airway.
- D. Monitor for signs of respiratory infection.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway is crucial for clients with myasthenia gravis because muscle weakness can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, potentially leading to respiratory compromise. Encouraging rest, administering medication, and monitoring for respiratory infections are important aspects of care but do not take precedence over ensuring a patent airway for adequate oxygenation.
2. What safety measure should the nurse take for a client with a seizure disorder who has an IV line?
- A. Ensure that the IV site is padded and protected.
- B. Limit the client's mobility to prevent dislodging the IV.
- C. Place the IV site on the same side as the seizure activity.
- D. Ensure the client is positioned on the opposite side of the IV line.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensure the client is positioned on the opposite side of the IV line. Placing the IV line on the opposite side of any seizure activity is essential to prevent injury. It helps to ensure that the IV line is not dislodged during a seizure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. While padding and protecting the IV site is important, the priority is to position the client on the side opposite to the IV line to prevent dislodgement and injury during a seizure.
3. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication is effective?
- A. Improved tolerance to cold.
- B. Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels.
- C. Reduced anxiety and improved mood.
- D. Increased sensitivity to heat.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by providing the body with the thyroid hormone it lacks. Therefore, a positive response to the medication would manifest as decreased fatigue and improved energy levels due to the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because improved tolerance to cold, reduced anxiety, and increased sensitivity to heat are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in managing hypothyroidism.
4. The client is being taught how to take alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis treatment. Which statement indicates that the client needs further teaching?
- A. I should take this medication at bedtime
- B. I will need to take this medication for at least 3 years
- C. I should sit up for 30 minutes after taking the medication
- D. I should take this medication with a full glass of water
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking Fosamax at bedtime is incorrect. It should be taken in the morning with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice B is correct; alendronate is typically taken for several years to treat osteoporosis. Choice C is correct as remaining upright for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax helps prevent esophageal irritation. Choice D is also correct as taking alendronate with a full glass of water is necessary to ensure proper absorption.
5. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
- A. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL.
- B. Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L.
- C. Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL.
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range. However, in a client with heart failure and severe dyspnea, fluid retention is a significant concern. An elevated serum creatinine level may indicate impaired kidney function, which can worsen fluid overload. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and not indicative of immediate intervention in this scenario.