HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. While a child is hospitalized with acute glomerulonephritis, the parents ask why blood pressure readings are taken so often. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Elevated blood pressure must be anticipated and identified quickly
- B. Frequent monitoring helps ensure the medication is effective
- C. It is standard protocol for all hospitalized children
- D. We need to monitor for any potential kidney damage
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Elevated blood pressure must be anticipated and identified quickly.' Acute glomerulonephritis can lead to significant hypertension, making it crucial to monitor blood pressure frequently to promptly identify any elevation. Choice B is incorrect because while monitoring can help assess medication effectiveness, the primary reason for frequent blood pressure checks in this case is to detect elevated blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as not all hospitalized children require such frequent blood pressure monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as the primary reason for monitoring blood pressure is to detect hypertension, rather than solely focusing on potential kidney damage.
2. Which of the following molecules acts as the genetic code's messenger?
- A. RNA
- B. Proteins
- C. DNA
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is RNA. RNA, particularly mRNA, serves as the messenger that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Proteins (choice B) are not the genetic code's messenger; they are synthesized based on the information carried by RNA. DNA (choice C) stores the genetic information but does not directly act as the messenger. Carbohydrates (choice D) are not involved in transmitting genetic information.
3. A seriously ill female client tells the nurse, 'I am so tired and in so much pain! Please help me to die.' Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?
- A. Administer the prescribed maximum dose of pain medication.
- B. Talk with the client about her feelings related to her own death.
- C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider about initiating antidepressant therapy.
- D. Refer the client to the ethics committee of her local healthcare facility.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional needs by engaging in a conversation to understand the underlying feelings behind her statement. By exploring the client's thoughts about death, the nurse can provide appropriate support and interventions tailored to the client's concerns. Rushing to administer pain medication may not address the emotional distress expressed by the client. Initiating antidepressant therapy is not suitable without assessing the client's feelings further. Referring the client to the ethics committee is premature and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client. Therefore, empathetic communication and assessment of the client's feelings regarding her situation are crucial for providing holistic care.
4. Which dietary instruction is most important for a client with renal disease?
- A. Avoid all protein-rich foods.
- B. Limit fluid intake to 1500 ml/day.
- C. Increase potassium intake to prevent weakness.
- D. Eat small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important dietary instruction for a client with renal disease is to limit fluid intake to 1500 ml/day. This is essential to prevent fluid overload, manage electrolyte balance, and reduce strain on the kidneys. Choice A is incorrect because while protein restriction may be necessary in some cases, avoiding all protein-rich foods is not recommended as some protein intake is essential for overall health. Choice C is incorrect because increasing potassium intake is generally not advised for clients with renal disease, as they often need to limit potassium intake. Choice D is also incorrect because while consuming small, frequent meals may be helpful, emphasizing a diet high in carbohydrates is not typically the primary focus for clients with renal disease.
5. What pathophysiological events occur sequentially in the development of atherosclerosis?
- A. Foam cells release growth factors.
- B. Smooth muscle grows over fatty streaks creating fibrous plaques.
- C. Macrophages consume low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and create foam cells.
- D. Arterial endothelium injury causes inflammation.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct sequence of pathophysiological events in the development of atherosclerosis starts with arterial endothelium injury causing inflammation. This inflammation triggers the formation of foam cells by macrophages consuming low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Subsequently, smooth muscle grows over fatty streaks, creating fibrous plaques. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate chronological order of events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.