HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client in the postanesthesia care unit has an as-needed prescription for ondansetron (Zofran). Which of the following occurrences would prompt the nurse to administer this medication to the client?
- A. Paralytic ileus
- B. Incisional pain
- C. Urine retention
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is an antiemetic used to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. It is not indicated for treating paralytic ileus, incisional pain, or urine retention. Paralytic ileus is a condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by the paralysis of intestinal muscles, which would not be treated with ondansetron. Incisional pain is typically managed with analgesics, not antiemetics. Urine retention is a urinary issue that does not involve nausea and vomiting, making ondansetron an inappropriate choice for this condition.
2. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is admitted after vomiting bright red blood several times over the course of 2 hours. In reviewing the laboratory results, the nurse finds the client's hemoglobin is 12 g/dL (120g/L) and the hematocrit is 35% (0.35). Which action should the nurse prepare to take?
- A. Continue monitoring for blood loss
- B. Administer 1,000 mL (1L) of normal saline
- C. Transfuse 2 units of platelets
- D. Prepare the client for emergency surgery
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare the client for emergency surgery. The client's presentation with bright red blood in vomitus suggests active bleeding, which is a medical emergency. With a hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and a hematocrit of 35%, the client is likely experiencing significant blood loss that may require surgical intervention to address the source of bleeding. Continuing to monitor for blood loss (Choice A) is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate action is necessary. Administering normal saline (Choice B) may help with fluid resuscitation but does not address the underlying cause of bleeding. Transfusing platelets (Choice C) is not indicated in this scenario as platelets are involved in clot formation and are not the primary treatment for active bleeding in this context.
3. The client is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Administer anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.
- B. Monitor the client for signs of infection.
- C. Provide the client with a high-protein diet.
- D. Encourage the client to drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in clients receiving hemodialysis because they are at an increased risk of infection due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Administering anticoagulants is not typically a part of the routine care for clients undergoing hemodialysis unless specifically prescribed. While a high-protein diet may be beneficial for some clients, it is not a specific intervention related to hemodialysis. Encouraging fluid intake must be individualized based on the client's fluid status and should not be a generalized recommendation for all clients receiving hemodialysis.
4. A client with acute glomerulonephritis (GN) is being evaluated by a nurse. Which manifestation should the nurse recognize as a positive response to the prescribed treatment?
- A. The client has lost 11 pounds in the past 10 days.
- B. The client’s urine specific gravity is 1.048.
- C. No blood is observed in the client’s urine.
- D. The client’s blood pressure is 152/88 mm Hg.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A weight loss of 11 pounds in the past 10 days indicates fluid loss, a positive response to treatment for acute glomerulonephritis. It signifies that the glomeruli are functioning adequately to filter excess fluid. A urine specific gravity of 1.048 is high, indicating concentrated urine, which is not a positive response in this context. Blood in the urine is not a typical finding in glomerulonephritis, so its absence is expected and does not indicate a positive response to treatment. A blood pressure of 152/88 mm Hg is elevated and may suggest kidney damage or fluid overload, which are not positive responses to treatment.
5. 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.
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