HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Quizlet
1. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
- B. Administer lactulose as prescribed.
- C. Monitor the client's weight daily.
- D. Assess the client's neurological status.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering lactulose is the first priority in managing a client with cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels and prevent worsening hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps in decreasing the absorption of ammonia in the intestines and promotes its excretion through the stool. This intervention is crucial in preventing the development or progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) may be necessary to manage ascites, but it is not the priority over lactulose in this scenario. Monitoring the client's weight (Choice C) is important to assess fluid retention but is not the first intervention required. Assessing the client's neurological status (Choice D) is essential in cirrhosis, but administering lactulose takes precedence to prevent hepatic encephalopathy.
2. The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) positioning a newly admitted client who has a seizure disorder. The client is supine, and the UAP is placing soft pillows along the side rails. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Ensure that the UAP has positioned the pillows effectively to protect the client.
- B. Instruct the UAP to obtain soft blankets to secure to the side rails instead of pillows.
- C. Assume responsibility for placing the pillows while the UAP completes another task.
- D. Ask the UAP to use some of the pillows to prop the client in a side-lying position.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the UAP to pad the side rails with soft blankets instead of pillows. Placing pillows along the side rails could lead to suffocation during a seizure and would need to be removed promptly. Instructing the UAP to use soft blankets is safer as they can help prevent injury without posing a risk of suffocation. Ensuring effective placement of the pillows (Choice A) is not appropriate as pillows should not be used in this situation. Assuming responsibility for placing the pillows (Choice C) or propping the client in a side-lying position with pillows (Choice D) are both unsafe actions and could potentially harm the client.
3. A client with type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dl
- B. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- C. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
- D. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L requires immediate intervention in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A low serum bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, which can be life-threatening. This condition needs urgent correction to restore acid-base balance. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dl, serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L, and serum sodium of 135 mEq/L are abnormal values, but they do not pose an immediate threat to the client's life compared to the metabolic acidosis indicated by the low serum bicarbonate level.
4. A 10-year-old who has terminal brain cancer asks the nurse, 'What will happen to my body when I die?' How should the nurse respond?
- A. Your mother and father will be here soon. Talk to them about that.'
- B. Why do you want to know about what will happen to your body when you die?'
- C. The heart will stop beating and you will stop breathing.'
- D. Are you concerned about where your spirit will go?'
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct response when a terminally ill child asks about what will happen to their body when they die is to provide a truthful and straightforward answer. Choice C, 'The heart will stop beating and you will stop breathing,' is the best response because it offers a simple and honest explanation without delving into spiritual or emotional aspects that may be confusing or distressing to the child. Choices A and D deflect the question and do not address the child's inquiry directly. Choice B, 'Why do you want to know about what will happen to your body when you die?' may come across as dismissive or evasive, rather than providing the clear information the child is seeking.
5. A female client with breast cancer who completed her first chemotherapy treatment today at an outpatient center is preparing for discharge. Which behavior indicates that the client understands her care needs?
- A. Rented movies and borrowed books to use while passing time at home
- B. Made an appointment with the oncologist for follow-up treatment
- C. Expressed concern about hair loss and fatigue
- D. Asked for dietary recommendations to manage nausea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer. Renting movies and borrowing books to use at home indicate that the client understands the need for rest and self-care after chemotherapy. This behavior demonstrates the client's intention to engage in activities that promote relaxation and recovery. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because making an appointment for follow-up treatment, expressing concern about side effects like hair loss and fatigue, and asking for dietary recommendations are important but do not directly reflect the client's understanding of her immediate care needs post-chemotherapy.
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