HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is a key symptom of myocardial infarction (MI)?
- A. Chest pain.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Nausea.
- D. Fatigue.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain. Chest pain is a hallmark symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) due to inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. This pain can be severe, crushing, or squeezing, and may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath (choice B), nausea (choice C), and fatigue (choice D) can accompany MI but are not as specific or characteristic as chest pain in diagnosing this condition. Therefore, chest pain is the primary symptom to recognize for suspected MI.
2. A nurse administers scopolamine as prescribed to a client in preparation for surgery. For which side effect of this medication does the nurse monitor the client?
- A. Pupil constriction
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Complaints of dry mouth
- D. Complaints of feeling sweaty
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Complaints of feeling sweaty.' Scopolamine, an anticholinergic medication, commonly causes the side effect of decreased sweating, not increased urine output or pupil constriction. While dry mouth is a possible side effect, it is less likely than the altered sweating pattern. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for complaints of feeling sweaty due to the potential side effect of decreased sweating associated with scopolamine.
3. When planning activities for a socialization group for older residents of a long-term facility, what information would be most useful for the nurse?
- A. The length of time each resident has resided at the facility.
- B. A brief description of each resident's family life.
- C. The age of each resident.
- D. The usual activity patterns of each resident.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most useful information for the nurse when planning activities for a socialization group for older residents of a long-term facility would be the usual activity patterns of each resident. An older person's level of activity is a determining factor in adjustment to aging, as described by the Activity Theory of Aging. By understanding the usual activity patterns of each resident, the nurse can tailor activities that cater to their interests and abilities, promoting social engagement and overall well-being. The other options, such as the length of time residing at the facility, a brief description of family life, or the age of each resident, may provide some insights but do not directly relate to planning activities that support adjustment to aging and socialization within the group.
4. A patient presents with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following diagnostic tests is the priority?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Serum electrolytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient presenting with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, the priority diagnostic test is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG can quickly identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction, guiding prompt management. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may provide some information but is not the primary test for evaluating chest pain related to myocardial infarction. A Chest X-ray can be useful in assessing lung pathologies or certain cardiac conditions; however, it does not provide immediate information on myocardial infarction, making it a secondary option in this scenario. Serum electrolytes may become important in later stages but do not offer immediate insights into myocardial infarction. Therefore, they are a lower priority compared to obtaining an ECG for timely diagnosis and intervention.
5. The nurse is assessing a client with a diagnosis of pre-renal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which condition would the nurse expect to find in the client’s recent history?
- A. Pyelonephritis
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Bladder cancer
- D. Kidney stones
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In pre-renal acute kidney injury, there is a decrease in perfusion to the kidneys. Myocardial infarction can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, causing pre-renal AKI. Pyelonephritis is an intrinsic/intrarenal cause of AKI involving kidney damage. Bladder cancer and kidney stones are post-renal causes of AKI due to urinary flow obstruction, not related to perfusion issues seen in pre-renal AKI.
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