HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone
1. While changing a client's chest tube dressing, the nurse notes a cracking sensation when gentle pressure is applied to the skin at the insertion site. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Apply a pressure dressing around the chest tube site.
- B. Administer an oral antihistamine.
- C. Assess for allergies to topical cleaning agents.
- D. Measure the area of swelling and crackling.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a nurse observes crepitus around a chest tube site, it could indicate subcutaneous emphysema, a potentially serious condition where air gets trapped under the skin. Measuring the area of swelling and crackling is important as it helps monitor the progression of subcutaneous emphysema. Applying a pressure dressing (choice A) might not address the underlying cause and could potentially worsen the condition. Administering an oral antihistamine (choice B) is not indicated for crepitus at a chest tube site. Assessing for allergies to topical cleaning agents (choice C) is important but not the immediate priority when crepitus is observed.
2. A client with a nasogastric tube requires irrigation once every shift. The client's serum electrolyte results show a potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L and a sodium level of 132 mEq/L. Based on these findings, which solution should the nurse use for nasogastric tube irrigation?
- A. Tap water
- B. Sterile water
- C. Sodium chloride
- D. Normal saline
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct solution for nasogastric tube irrigation in this scenario is sodium chloride. The client's low sodium level of 132 mEq/L indicates the need to avoid further imbalance, making sodium chloride the most appropriate choice. Using tap water, which lacks electrolytes, or sterile water could potentially exacerbate the electrolyte imbalance. Normal saline, while similar to sodium chloride, may not be the best choice as it contains a higher concentration of sodium, which could further elevate the client's already borderline sodium level.
3. The nurse must delegate some aspects of a homebound client's care to a home health aide. Which intervention should the nurse delegate to the home health aide?
- A. evaluating a pressure sore
- B. applying a prosthetic device
- C. performing a sterile dressing change
- D. assessing the client's need for an elevated toilet seat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: applying a prosthetic device. Home health aides are trained and authorized to assist with the application and management of prosthetic devices for clients. Evaluating a pressure sore (choice A) requires clinical assessment and judgment typically performed by a licensed healthcare provider such as a nurse. Performing a sterile dressing change (choice C) involves aseptic technique and wound care skills that are usually performed by licensed healthcare professionals. Assessing the client's need for an elevated toilet seat (choice D) involves a level of assessment and decision-making that is beyond the scope of practice for a home health aide.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis. Which of these findings would indicate that the client is experiencing complications of the disease?
- A. Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- B. Presence of spider angiomas on the skin
- C. Ascites and peripheral edema
- D. Clay-colored stools and dark urine
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clay-colored stools and dark urine are classic signs of liver dysfunction, indicating bile flow obstruction commonly seen in liver cirrhosis. This finding is a significant complication requiring immediate medical evaluation. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) is a common symptom of liver dysfunction but is not specific to complications. Spider angiomas and ascites with peripheral edema are also associated with liver cirrhosis, but they are not indicative of immediate complications as clay-colored stools and dark urine are.
5. The client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will weigh myself daily and report a weight gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours.
- B. I will take my diuretic medication in the morning.
- C. I will call my healthcare provider if I experience increased shortness of breath.
- D. I will drink at least 3 liters of fluid each day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Drinking at least 3 liters of fluid each day may be contraindicated for a client with CHF due to the risk of fluid overload. This can exacerbate heart failure symptoms and lead to complications. Options A, B, and C are all appropriate statements that demonstrate understanding of managing CHF and seeking appropriate medical attention when needed.