HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client is admitted with a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer anticoagulant therapy as prescribed.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
- C. Check the client's oxygen saturation.
- D. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare the client for a CT scan. A CT scan is essential in confirming the presence of a pulmonary embolism (PE) and guiding further treatment. Administering anticoagulant therapy (Choice A) is important in the management of PE, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice B) is beneficial for optimizing oxygenation but is not the priority intervention when a PE is suspected. Checking the client's oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important, but obtaining a definitive diagnosis through a CT scan takes precedence in this situation.
2. A client is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. The client has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10. What does this score indicate?
- A. Mild impairment
- B. Moderate impairment
- C. Severe impairment
- D. Normal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10 falls into the range of moderate impairment, indicating the need for further assessment and monitoring. A GCS score of 10 suggests that the client is moderately impaired neurologically. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a GCS score of 10 does not indicate mild impairment, severe impairment, or normal neurological status, respectively.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with pancreatitis who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL
- B. The client reports feeling weak and shaky
- C. The TPN bag is 5% dextrose
- D. The client reports feeling thirsty
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weakness and shakiness can indicate hypoglycemia, a potential complication of TPN. Immediate intervention is necessary to assess blood glucose levels and provide treatment as needed. Choice A is incorrect because a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL is within an acceptable range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice C is incorrect as a 5% dextrose TPN bag is a standard concentration. Choice D is also incorrect as feeling thirsty is not a critical assessment finding requiring immediate intervention in this context.
4. The nurse observes that a client’s wrist restraint is secured to the side rail of the bed. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Ensure that the restraint is snug against the client’s wrist.
- B. Reposition the restraint tie onto the bedframe.
- C. Double knot the restraint to ensure safety.
- D. Leave the restraint in place and notify the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to reposition the restraint tie onto the bedframe. Restraints should always be secured to the bedframe, not the side rails, to prevent injury to the client in case the bed is adjusted. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is with the attachment point, not the snugness of the restraint. Choice C is incorrect as double knotting the restraint does not address the incorrect attachment point. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse should not leave the restraint in the wrong position; instead, it should be moved to the correct location on the bedframe.
5. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What should the nurse teach the client about lithium toxicity?
- A. Take the medication with meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
- B. Report any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- C. Monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration.
- D. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while on lithium.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking lithium should avoid NSAIDs as they can increase lithium levels leading to toxicity. It is essential to monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration to prevent toxicity. Reporting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is important, but the key teaching point regarding lithium toxicity is to avoid NSAIDs.
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