HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with left-sided heart failure?
- A. Administering IV fluids.
- B. Administering oxygen.
- C. Administering diuretics.
- D. Administering antihypertensives.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with left-sided heart failure because it helps improve oxygenation. In left-sided heart failure, the heart struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues. Administering oxygen can help alleviate symptoms of hypoxia and reduce the workload on the heart. IV fluids (Choice A) may exacerbate heart failure by increasing fluid volume, diuretics (Choice C) are used to reduce fluid overload in heart failure, and antihypertensives (Choice D) are more suitable for managing hypertension, which may be a comorbidity in heart failure but are not the primary intervention for left-sided heart failure.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which laboratory value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
- B. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl
- C. Potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
- D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is dangerously high, a condition known as hyperkalemia, and requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making it crucial to notify the healthcare provider promptly. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate immediate life-threatening conditions. Elevated serum creatinine levels are expected in CKD, a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dl is within a reasonable range, and a blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl is not acutely concerning in this context.
3. A healthcare provider caring for a client with severe malnutrition reviews the laboratory results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL. Which electrocardiographic change would the healthcare provider expect to note based on the magnesium level?
- A. Prominent U waves
- B. Prolonged PR interval
- C. Depressed ST segment
- D. Widened QRS complexes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL can cause a depressed ST segment on the ECG. Magnesium deficiency commonly leads to ST segment depression on an electrocardiogram. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia, prolonged PR interval is seen in conditions like first-degree heart block, and widened QRS complexes are typically related to conditions affecting the conduction system of the heart, such as bundle branch blocks.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a toddler about appropriate snacks. Which of the following foods should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Sliced bananas
- B. Raw celery
- C. Peanut butter
- D. Marshmallows
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sliced bananas. Sliced bananas are a healthy and safe snack option for toddlers as they provide essential nutrients and are easy to chew. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber. Choice B, raw celery, may pose a choking hazard for toddlers due to its stringy texture. Choice C, peanut butter, can also be a choking hazard and may not be suitable for all toddlers due to potential allergies. Choice D, marshmallows, are high in sugar and low in nutrients, making them an unhealthy choice for toddler snacks.
5. A young female client prescribed amoxicillin (Amoxil) for a urinary tract infection is being taught by a nurse. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?
- A. Use a second form of birth control while taking this medication.
- B. You will experience increased menstrual bleeding while on this medication.
- C. You may experience an irregular heartbeat while on this medication.
- D. Watch for blood in your urine while taking this drug.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to include in the teaching is to advise the client to use a second form of birth control while taking amoxicillin. Penicillin, like amoxicillin, may reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-containing contraceptives, making it important to use additional contraceptive measures. The incorrect choices are B, C, and D. Increased menstrual bleeding, irregular heartbeat, or blood in the urine are not common side effects associated with amoxicillin use for a urinary tract infection.