HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Quiz
1. After pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade, for which signs should the nurse assess the client to determine if tamponade is recurring?
- A. Decreasing pulse
- B. Rising blood pressure
- C. Distant muffled heart sounds
- D. Falling central venous pressure (CVP)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade, the nurse should assess for distant muffled heart sounds that were noted before the procedure. If these sounds return, it could indicate recurring pericardial effusion and potential tamponade. Therefore, the correct answer is the return of distant muffled heart sounds (Option C). Decreasing pulse (Option A) and falling central venous pressure (Option D) are not specific signs of recurring tamponade. Rising blood pressure (Option B) is also not a typical sign of tamponade recurrence; in fact, hypotension is more commonly associated with tamponade.
2. A healthcare professional reviews a client’s laboratory results. Which results from the client’s urinalysis should the healthcare professional identify as normal? (Select all that apply.)
- A. pH: 6
- B. Specific gravity: 1.015
- C. Glucose: negative
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a urinalysis, a pH of 6 is within the normal range (typically between 4.6 and 8); a specific gravity of 1.015 is considered normal (usually ranging between 1.005 to 1.030); and a negative glucose result is also normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are correct as they fall within the normal values for a urinalysis. Choices A, B, and C are the correct answers, as the pH, specific gravity, and glucose levels are within the normal range for a urinalysis. Choice D is correct because all the listed values are normal. Choices A, B, and C are the correct options as they meet the criteria for normal urinalysis values. The other choices do not fall within the normal range for a urinalysis.
3. The nurse is teaching a nursing student about the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics. Which statement by the nursing student indicates understanding of this concept?
- A. A serum drug level greater than the MEC ensures that the drug is bacteriostatic.
- B. A serum drug level greater than the MEC broadens the spectrum of the drug.
- C. A serum drug level greater than the MEC helps eradicate bacterial infections.
- D. A serum drug level greater than the MEC increases the therapeutic index.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The MEC is the minimum amount of drug needed to halt the growth of a microorganism. A level greater than the MEC helps eradicate infections. Drugs at or above the MEC are usually bactericidal, not bacteriostatic. Therefore, choice A is incorrect. Broadening the spectrum of a drug refers to its range of activity against different microorganisms, which is not directly related to MEC. Thus, choice B is incorrect. Increasing the therapeutic index involves maximizing the effectiveness of a drug while minimizing its toxicity, which is not specifically related to MEC. Therefore, choice D is also incorrect.
4. The patient will take a high dose of azithromycin after discharge from the hospital. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
- A. I may take antacids 2 hours before taking this drug.
- B. I should take acetaminophen for fever or mild pain.
- C. I should expect diarrhea to be a common, mild side effect.
- D. I should avoid dairy products while taking this drug.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Azithromycin peak levels may be reduced by antacids when taken at the same time, so patients should be cautioned to take antacids 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the drug. Choice B is incorrect because high-dose azithromycin carries a risk for hepatotoxicity when taken with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen. Choice C is incorrect as diarrhea may indicate pseudomembranous colitis and should be reported, not expected as a common mild side effect. Choice D is incorrect; there is no restriction for dairy products while taking azithromycin.
5. A client has a urine specific gravity of 1.040. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain a urine culture and sensitivity.
- B. Place the client on restricted fluids.
- C. Assess the client’s creatinine level.
- D. Increase the client’s fluid intake.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.040 is higher than the normal range (1.005 to 1.030) and can indicate dehydration, decreased kidney blood flow, or the presence of antidiuretic hormone. In this situation, the priority action should be to increase the client's fluid intake to address the high specific gravity. Obtaining a urine culture, placing the client on restricted fluids, or assessing the creatinine level would not directly address the underlying issue of high urine specific gravity caused by dehydration or other factors.
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