HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer regular insulin IV.
- B. Administer IV fluids at 250 ml/hr.
- C. Administer sodium bicarbonate IV push.
- D. Administer furosemide (Lasix) IV push.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering regular insulin IV (A) is the initial intervention for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to rapidly reduce blood glucose levels. This is vital in reversing the ketosis and acidosis seen in DKA. Administering IV fluids (B) helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering sodium bicarbonate (C) and furosemide (D) may be necessary depending on the client's condition, but insulin administration takes precedence in the management of DKA.
2. A client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is admitted with chest pain. Which laboratory test should the nurse expect to be ordered to determine if the client is experiencing another MI?
- A. Troponin
- B. Myoglobin
- C. CK-MB
- D. C-reactive protein
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Troponin is the most specific and sensitive laboratory test for detecting myocardial infarction (MI). It is released when there is damage to the heart muscle, making it a valuable marker for diagnosing another MI. Myoglobin and CK-MB can also be elevated in MI, but troponin is preferred due to its higher specificity. C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation and not specific to MI.
3. When a student nurse is caught taking a copy of a client's medication administration record to help a friend prepare for the next day's clinical, what should the nurse respond first?
- A. Ask the nursing supervisor to meet with the student.
- B. Notify the student's clinical instructor of the situation.
- C. Ask the student if permission was obtained from the client.
- D. Explain that the records are hospital property and may not be removed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response when a student nurse is caught taking a copy of a client's medication administration record is to explain that the records are hospital property and cannot be removed. It is essential to educate the student about the confidentiality and security of patient information, emphasizing that even with the client's consent, such actions are unacceptable. Option A is not the immediate action needed, as addressing the student directly should come first. Option B involves notifying another party before addressing the student directly. Option C is incorrect because even if the client gave permission, patient records are confidential and cannot be shared without authorization.
4. The client is being taught about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?
- A. Remove needle before discarding used syringes
- B. Wear gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe
- C. Don a face mask before administering the medication
- D. Wash hands before handling the needle and syringe
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Washing hands before handling needles and syringes is a crucial aspect of standard precautions to prevent infections. This practice helps reduce the risk of transferring microorganisms from the hands to the syringes and needles, thus promoting safety during medication administration.
5. Which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care for a client at high risk for the development of postoperative thrombus formation?
- A. Instruct the client in the use of the incentive spirometer.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed during all meals.
- C. Use aseptic technique when changing the dressing.
- D. Encourage frequent ambulation in the hallway.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Thrombus formation is a risk for clients who are immobile postoperatively. Encouraging frequent ambulation helps to prevent stasis in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of thrombus formation. This intervention promotes circulation and prevents blood clot formation, making it the most important intervention in this situation.
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