HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is a key symptom of hypothyroidism?
- A. Weight loss.
- B. Heat intolerance.
- C. Cold intolerance.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a key symptom of hypothyroidism because a decreased metabolic rate leads to a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where excess thyroid hormone leads to an increased sensitivity to heat. Increased appetite (Choice D) is not typically seen in hypothyroidism; instead, individuals with hypothyroidism may experience weight gain due to the slowed metabolism.
2. Alteplase recombinant, or tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), a thrombolytic enzyme, is administered during the first 6 hours after onset of myocardial infarction (MI) to:
- A. Control chest pain.
- B. Reduce coronary artery vasospasm.
- C. Control the arrhythmias associated with MI.
- D. Revascularize the blocked coronary artery.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Alteplase recombinant, or t-PA, is a thrombolytic enzyme used to dissolve clots and revascularize the blocked coronary artery in patients experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI). Administering t-PA within the first 6 hours of MI onset is crucial to restore blood flow to the affected area and minimize cardiac tissue damage. Therefore, the correct answer is to revascularize the blocked coronary artery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while controlling chest pain, reducing coronary artery vasospasm, and managing arrhythmias are important goals in managing MI, the primary purpose of administering t-PA within the first 6 hours is to restore blood flow by dissolving clots and revascularizing the blocked coronary artery.
3. When monitoring a client who is receiving tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), the nurse should have resuscitation equipment available because reperfusion of the cardiac tissue can result in which of the following?
- A. Cardiac arrhythmias.
- B. Hypertension.
- C. Seizures.
- D. Hypothermia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac arrhythmias. Reperfusion of cardiac tissue following t-PA administration can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating resuscitation equipment. Hypertension (choice B) is a common side effect of t-PA but is not directly related to reperfusion. Seizures (choice C) and hypothermia (choice D) are not typically associated with reperfusion from t-PA administration.
4. What is a key intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- A. Administering insulin
- B. Administering IV fluids
- C. Administering oral glucose
- D. Administering oral fluids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering insulin is a crucial intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because it helps in managing hyperglycemia and ketosis by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells and inhibiting the production of ketones. IV fluids are necessary to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA but are not the primary treatment for the condition. Administering oral glucose would exacerbate hyperglycemia in a patient with DKA, while administering oral fluids alone would not effectively address the underlying metabolic disturbances seen in DKA.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately to the physician?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
- B. Increased blood pressure.
- C. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
- D. Decreased urine output.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow should be reported immediately to the physician. It is indicative of peritonitis, a severe infection of the peritoneal cavity and a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further complications or systemic infection. Clear dialysate outflow (Choice A) is a normal finding in peritoneal dialysis. Increased blood pressure (Choice B) and decreased urine output (Choice D) are common in clients with chronic renal failure and may not require immediate reporting unless they are significantly abnormal or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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