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. When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests
- B. Complete blood count and electrolytes
- C. Serum calcium and magnesium
- D. Serum glucose and lipids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, the nurse should closely monitor laboratory values that indicate renal and hepatic function. This includes checking the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels to assess kidney function. Additionally, monitoring liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin, is essential as cephalosporins can affect liver enzymes. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the parameters that are most pertinent when administering high doses of cephalosporins.
3. A nurse plans care for clients with urinary incontinence. Which client is correctly paired with the appropriate intervention?
- A. A 29-year-old client after a difficult vaginal delivery – Habit training
- B. A 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy – Electrical stimulation
- C. A 64-year-old female with Alzheimer’s-type senile dementia – Bladder training
- D. A 77-year-old female who has difficulty ambulating – Exercise therapy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct pairing is a 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy with electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is used for clients with stress incontinence related to menopause and low estrogen levels. Exercise therapy improves pelvic wall strength and is not specifically for ambulation issues. Habit training is more effective for cognitively impaired clients, like those with Alzheimer's-type senile dementia. Bladder training requires the client to be alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate, which may not be suitable for clients with cognitive impairments.
4. After a myocardial infarction, why is the hospitalized client taught to move the legs while resting in bed?
- A. Prepare the client for ambulation.
- B. Promote urinary and intestinal elimination.
- C. Prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation.
- D. Decrease the likelihood of pressure ulcer formation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Moving the legs helps prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation by promoting venous return in clients on bed rest. This prevents stasis and clot formation in the lower extremities. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary goal of moving the legs is to prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation, rather than preparing for ambulation, promoting elimination, or decreasing pressure ulcer formation. Ambulation preparation involves different exercises, urinary and intestinal elimination are not directly related to leg movements, and pressure ulcer prevention is more related to repositioning and skin care.
5. A male client comes into the emergency department with a serum creatinine of 2.2 mg/dL and a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 24 mg/dL. What question should the nurse ask first when taking this client’s history?
- A. Have you been taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen recently?
- B. Do you have anyone in your family with renal failure?
- C. Have you had a diet that is low in protein recently?
- D. Has a relative had a kidney transplant lately?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct question to ask the client first is about their recent intake of nephrotoxic medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels indicate possible renal issues, making it crucial to assess potential causes such as medication-induced nephrotoxicity. Inquiring about family history of renal failure or recent kidney transplants would not provide immediate insights into the client's current renal condition. While a diet low in protein could influence BUN levels, it is important to address medication history first due to the acute presentation in the emergency department.
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