HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client has been scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For which of the following conditions, a contraindication to MRI, does the nurse check the client’s medical history?
- A. Pancreatitis
- B. Pacemaker insertion
- C. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- D. Chronic airway limitation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pacemaker insertion. Patients with metal devices or implants are contraindicated for MRI. These include pacemakers, orthopedic hardware, artificial heart valves, aneurysm clips, and intrauterine devices. These metal objects can be affected by the strong magnetic field of the MRI, leading to serious risks for the patient. Pancreatitis (choice A), Type 1 diabetes mellitus (choice C), and chronic airway limitation (choice D) are not contraindications to MRI based on the presence of metal objects. Therefore, the nurse should be particularly concerned about pacemaker insertion when reviewing the client's medical history prior to an MRI.
2. A client who is mouth breathing is receiving oxygen by face mask. The nursing assistant asks the nurse why a water bottle is attached to the oxygen tubing near the wall oxygen outlet. The nurse responds that the primary purpose of the water is to:
- A. Prevent the client from getting a nosebleed
- B. Give the client added fluid by way of the respiratory tree
- C. Humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the client’s nose
- D. Prevent fluid loss from the lungs during mouth breathing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The purpose of the water bottle is to humidify the oxygen that is bypassing the nose during mouth breathing. When a client breathes through the mouth, the oxygen delivered by the face mask bypasses the natural humidification provided by the nasal passages. Therefore, the water bottle attachment helps to add moisture to the oxygen, preventing dryness and irritation to the respiratory tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Clients breathing through the mouth are not at risk for nosebleeds, do not receive added fluid through the respiratory tree, and do not experience fluid loss from the lungs due to mouth breathing.
3. A client who had a C-5 spinal cord injury 2 years ago is admitted to the emergency department with the diagnosis of autonomic dysreflexia secondary to a full bladder. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit?
- A. Complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath
- B. Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities
- C. Profuse diaphoresis and severe, pounding headache
- D. Pain and burning sensation upon urination and hematuria
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition commonly seen in clients with spinal cord injuries above the T6 level. It is characterized by a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure due to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury, often a distended bladder. The exaggerated sympathetic response leads to vasoconstriction, resulting in symptoms such as profuse diaphoresis (sweating) and a severe, pounding headache. These symptoms are the body's attempt to lower blood pressure. Complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath (Choice A) are not typical findings in autonomic dysreflexia. Hypotension and venous pooling (Choice B) are opposite manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by hypertension. Pain and burning sensation upon urination and hematuria (Choice D) are indicative of a urinary tract infection and not specific to autonomic dysreflexia.
4. A healthcare professional assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of bacterial cystitis?
- A. A 36-year-old female who has never been pregnant
- B. A 42-year-old male who is prescribed cyclophosphamide
- C. A 58-year-old female who is not taking estrogen replacement
- D. A 77-year-old male with mild congestive heart failure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Females are at higher risk of developing bacterial cystitis due to their shorter urethra compared to males. Postmenopausal women not on estrogen replacement therapy are particularly susceptible to cystitis because of changes in vaginal and urethral cells. This increases the risk of bacterial infection. The other options do not have the same level of risk as the postmenopausal woman not using hormone replacement therapy. A never-pregnant middle-aged woman does not have the same increased risk as a postmenopausal woman with hormonal changes.
5. An obese client with emphysema who smoked at least a pack of cigarettes daily is admitted after experiencing a sudden increase in dyspnea and activity intolerance. Oxygen therapy is initiated, and it is determined that the client will be discharged with oxygen. Which information is most important for the nurse to emphasize in the discharge teaching plan?
- A. Methods for weight loss
- B. Guidelines for oxygen use
- C. Approaches to conserve energy
- D. Strategies for smoking cessation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority for the nurse to emphasize in the discharge teaching plan is the 'Guidelines for oxygen use.' As the client with emphysema is being discharged with oxygen therapy, it is crucial for the nurse to ensure that the client understands how to use oxygen properly to prevent complications and promote effective management of the condition. While weight loss, conserving energy, and smoking cessation are important aspects of care for this client, in this specific case, ensuring the safe and appropriate use of supplemental oxygen takes precedence to optimize the client's respiratory function and overall well-being.
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