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. The best indicator that the client has learned how to give an insulin self-injection correctly is when the client can:
- A. Perform the procedure safely and correctly.
- B. Critique the nurse's performance of the procedure.
- C. Explain all steps of the procedure correctly.
- D. Correctly answer a posttest about the procedure.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Learning is best demonstrated by a change in behavior. A client who can safely and correctly perform the procedure shows they have acquired the skill. Choice B is incorrect because critiquing the nurse's performance does not directly demonstrate the client's ability to perform the procedure. Choice C is incorrect because explaining the steps does not guarantee the client can physically perform the injection. Choice D is incorrect as answering a posttest only assesses theoretical knowledge, not practical application.
3. Which client should the nurse recognize as most likely to experience sleep apnea?
- A. Middle-aged female who takes a diuretic nightly.
- B. Obese older male client with a short, thick neck.
- C. Adolescent female with a history of tonsillectomy.
- D. School-aged male with a history of hyperactivity disorder.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often due to a collapsed or blocked airway. Obesity and having a short, thick neck are risk factors for sleep apnea because excess fat around the neck can obstruct the airway. Option A (middle-aged female who takes a diuretic nightly) does not present as a common risk factor for sleep apnea. Option C (adolescent female with a history of tonsillectomy) may have had tonsils removed, which could reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Option D (school-aged male with a history of hyperactivity disorder) is not directly associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea.
4. A client who has developed acute kidney injury (AKI) due to an aminoglycoside antibiotic has moved from the oliguric phase to the diuretic phase of AKI. Which parameters are most important for the nurse to plan to carefully monitor?
- A. Side effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and Intralipids.
- B. Uremic irritation of mucous membranes and skin surfaces.
- C. Elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
- D. Hypovolemia and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the diuretic phase of acute kidney injury (AKI), monitoring for hypovolemia and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes is crucial. Hypovolemia can occur due to the increased urine output in this phase, potentially leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Electrolyte imbalances can result in ECG changes, such as arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, careful monitoring of fluid status and ECG findings helps in preventing complications. Choices A, B, and C are not the most crucial parameters to monitor during the diuretic phase of AKI. Side effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and Intralipids, uremic irritation of mucous membranes and skin surfaces, and elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important considerations in other phases of AKI or in other conditions, but they are not the primary focus during the diuretic phase when hypovolemia and ECG changes take precedence.
5. An 81-year-old male client has emphysema. He lives at home with his cat and manages self-care with no difficulty. When making a home visit, the nurse notices that his tongue is somewhat cracked, and his eyeballs are sunken into his head. What nursing intervention is indicated?
- A. Help the client determine ways to increase his fluid intake.
- B. Obtain an appointment for the client to see a pulmonologist.
- C. Schedule an appointment with a nutritionist to assess the client's diet.
- D. Encourage the client to slightly increase his use of oxygen at night and to always use humidified oxygen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing intervention in this scenario is to assist the client in finding ways to increase his fluid intake. Clients with COPD, including emphysema, should aim to consume at least three liters of fluids per day to help keep their mucus thin. As the disease progresses, these clients may decrease fluid intake due to various reasons. Suggesting creative methods, such as having disposable fruit juices readily available, can help the client meet this goal. Option B is incorrect as seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist is not directly related to the client's symptoms. Option C is not the priority in this case, as the main concern is addressing the client's dehydration. Option D does not address the immediate need for managing the client's dehydration and is not the most appropriate intervention at this time.
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