HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism?
- A. Fatigue.
- B. Weight gain.
- C. Cold intolerance.
- D. Heat intolerance.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cold intolerance.' Hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased metabolic rate, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature and a feeling of being cold. Fatigue (Choice A) and weight gain (Choice B) are also common symptoms of hypothyroidism due to the overall slowing down of bodily functions. Heat intolerance (Choice D) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body's metabolism is overactive, leading to increased heat production.
2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following findings would indicate a complication of the treatment?
- A. Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C).
- B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (0.9 kg) since the last treatment.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Pulse rate of 72 bpm.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Weight gain between dialysis sessions can indicate fluid overload, a common complication in clients with chronic renal failure. This can lead to complications such as hypertension, pulmonary edema, and heart failure. A normal temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate are expected findings in this scenario and would not typically indicate a complication of hemodialysis treatment.
3. A healthcare professional reviews the allergy list of a client scheduled for an intravenous urography. Which client allergy should prompt urgent contact with the healthcare provider?
- A. Seafood
- B. Penicillin
- C. Bee stings
- D. Red food dye
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with seafood allergies should alert healthcare professionals to urgently contact the healthcare provider before an intravenous urography. The standard dyes used in this procedure can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with seafood allergies. Penicillin, bee stings, and red food dye allergies do not pose a direct threat during intravenous urography, making them less critical for immediate intervention.
4. A client with stress incontinence is being taught about pelvic muscle exercises. Which statements should be included by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Starting and stopping the urine stream involves using pelvic muscles.
- B. Tighten pelvic muscles for a slow count of 10 and then relax for a slow count of 10.
- C. Pelvic muscle exercises can be performed in various positions: lying down, sitting up, and standing.
- D. A & B
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct statements to include when teaching a client with stress incontinence about pelvic muscle exercises are that starting and stopping the urine stream involve using pelvic muscles and that tightening pelvic muscles for a slow count of 10 and then relaxing for a slow count of 10 can help strengthen them. It is essential to highlight that pelvic muscle exercises can be performed in various positions, including lying down, sitting up, and standing. This variety in positions helps engage the muscles effectively. Performing these exercises 15 times in each position can aid in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Consistent exercise over several weeks typically leads to improved control over urine leakage. Choice C is incorrect because pelvic muscle exercises can be performed in different positions and are not limited to sitting upright with feet on the floor.
5. A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL/day. What is the best action by the nurse?
- A. Place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately.
- B. Teach the client to limit high-potassium foods.
- C. Continue to monitor the client’s intake and output.
- D. Ask to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best immediate action by the nurse in this situation is to place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately. A serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening dysrhythmias. Monitoring the cardiac status is crucial to detect any potential arrhythmias promptly. Teaching the client to limit high-potassium foods (Choice B) may be important for long-term management, but it is not the priority at this moment. Continuing to monitor intake and output (Choice C) is important for assessing renal function but does not address the immediate risk of dysrhythmias. Asking to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen (Choice D) is unnecessary since the current results indicate a critical situation that requires immediate action.
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