HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. Which of the following is a group of three RNA nucleotides?
- A. A stop codon
- B. A codon
- C. An anticodon
- D. tRNA
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - A codon. A codon is a sequence of three RNA nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Choice A, a stop codon, is a sequence of three nucleotides that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Choice C, an anticodon, is a group of three nucleotides found in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA. Choice D, tRNA, stands for transfer RNA, which is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
2. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
- B. Administer lactulose as prescribed.
- C. Monitor the client's weight daily.
- D. Assess the client's neurological status.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering lactulose is the first priority in managing a client with cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels and prevent worsening hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps in decreasing the absorption of ammonia in the intestines and promotes its excretion through the stool. This intervention is crucial in preventing the development or progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) may be necessary to manage ascites, but it is not the priority over lactulose in this scenario. Monitoring the client's weight (Choice C) is important to assess fluid retention but is not the first intervention required. Assessing the client's neurological status (Choice D) is essential in cirrhosis, but administering lactulose takes precedence to prevent hepatic encephalopathy.
3. Which of the following is a complication of abortions?
- A. Malnutrition
- B. Peritoneum
- C. Fibroids
- D. Septicaemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Septicaemia is a severe complication that can result from abortions due to infections introduced during the procedure. Malnutrition, peritoneum, and fibroids are not typically direct complications of abortions.
4. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL.
- B. Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L.
- C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
- D. Urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours indicates oliguria, which is a concerning sign of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.\n\nChoice A (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL) is elevated but not the most urgent concern in this scenario. Choice B (Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L) reflects metabolic acidosis, which is expected in DKA but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg) is slightly elevated but not acutely concerning in the context of DKA.
5. A client is admitted to isolation with active tuberculosis. What infection control measures should the nurse implement?
- A. Initiate protective environment precautions.
- B. Use droplet precautions only.
- C. Ensure a positive pressure environment in the room.
- D. Implement negative pressure and contact precautions.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When caring for a client with active tuberculosis, it is crucial to implement negative pressure rooms and contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Choice A, initiating protective environment precautions, is incorrect as this is not the recommended approach for tuberculosis. Choice B, using droplet precautions only, is insufficient as tuberculosis requires additional precautions. Choice C, ensuring a positive pressure environment in the room, is incorrect because negative pressure rooms are necessary to contain airborne pathogens like tuberculosis. Therefore, the most appropriate measures include implementing negative pressure rooms and contact precautions.