HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following is a common complication of immobility?
- A. Muscle hypertrophy.
- B. Pressure ulcers.
- C. Bone fractures.
- D. Joint stiffness.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pressure ulcers. Immobility can lead to pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony prominences. Muscle hypertrophy (Choice A) is not a common complication of immobility; instead, muscle atrophy is more likely to occur due to disuse. Bone fractures (Choice C) can result from trauma but are not directly associated with immobility unless there is a fall or accident. Joint stiffness (Choice D) can develop due to lack of movement but is not as common or severe as pressure ulcers in cases of prolonged immobility.
2. The nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include?
- A. Encourage the client to use sunscreen
- B. Apply lotion to the radiated area
- C. Keep the area dry and clean
- D. Encourage the client to exercise the arm
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the radiated area dry and clean is crucial to prevent skin irritation and infection. Radiation therapy can cause skin changes, making it susceptible to irritation and infection. Using sunscreen (Choice A) is not usually recommended on the radiated area as it can further irritate the skin. Applying lotion (Choice B) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and cause skin breakdown. While encouraging exercise (Choice D) is important, keeping the area dry and clean takes precedence to prevent complications during radiation therapy.
3. During a repeat home visit to see an 84-year-old widow, the nurse discovers that the client is unkempt, smells of stale urine, and does not recognize her neighbors or the nurse. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Call the pharmacy to determine what medications she is taking
- B. Seek the family's assistance in taking care of the client
- C. Complete a physical and mental exam on the client
- D. Call the adult protective services to obtain emergency nursing home placement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize completing a physical and mental exam on the client. This action is crucial to assess the client's health status comprehensively and identify any underlying issues contributing to her unkempt appearance, odor of stale urine, and confusion. Calling the pharmacy to determine medications (Choice A) may be important but is not the immediate priority. Seeking family assistance (Choice B) can be helpful, but the client's condition requires a thorough assessment first. While adult protective services (Choice D) may be necessary in the future, the immediate action should be to assess the client's physical and mental health status.
4. A client who is admitted to the mental health unit reports shortness of breath and dizziness. The client tells the nurse, “I feel like I’m going to die.” Which nursing problem should the nurse include in this client’s plan of care?
- A. Mood disturbance
- B. Moderate anxiety
- C. Altered thoughts
- D. Social isolation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moderate anxiety. When a client presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fear of dying, it indicates moderate anxiety. Anxiety can manifest physically with symptoms like these. Mood disturbance (choice A) refers to a change in mood, while altered thoughts (choice C) relate to cognitive changes. Social isolation (choice D) involves a lack of social interaction, which is not the primary concern in this scenario where the client is experiencing acute anxiety symptoms.
5. The healthcare provider prescribes diagnostic tests for a client with pneumonia identified on a chest X-ray. Which diagnostic test should the nurse review for implementation to guide the most therapeutic treatment of pneumonia?
- A. Sputum culture and sensitivity
- B. Blood cultures
- C. Arterial blood gases (ABG)
- D. Computerized tomography (CT) of the chest
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Sputum culture and sensitivity is the most appropriate diagnostic test for pneumonia as it helps in identifying the causative organism, which is crucial for guiding the selection of the most effective antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures (choice B) are more useful in identifying systemic infections rather than pneumonia specifically. Arterial blood gases (ABG) (choice C) are helpful in assessing oxygenation but do not directly aid in identifying the causative organism. Computerized tomography (CT) of the chest (choice D) is useful for evaluating structural abnormalities in the lungs but is not the initial test of choice for diagnosing pneumonia.