HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. A client is admitted with a fever of unknown origin. To assess fever patterns, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Document the client’s temperature fluctuations
- B. Assess for flushed, warm skin consistently
- C. Measure temperature at regular intervals
- D. Use different sites for temperature measurement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To assess fever patterns accurately, the nurse should measure the client’s temperature at regular intervals. This approach helps in identifying the pattern of fever spikes and fluctuations, which can provide valuable information for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Assessing for flushed, warm skin or documenting circadian rhythms may not directly reveal the fever pattern, while varying temperature measurement sites could lead to inconsistent readings. Therefore, measuring temperature at regular intervals is the most appropriate intervention to identify fever patterns in this scenario.
2. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Oliguria.
- B. Kussmaul respirations.
- C. Fruity odor on the breath.
- D. Blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations (B) are a deep and labored breathing pattern associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and are expected in this condition. While oliguria (A), fruity odor on the breath (C), and elevated blood glucose level (D) are also signs of DKA, Kussmaul respirations are more specific and critical to the condition, indicating severe metabolic acidosis.
3. The healthcare provider is assessing the nutritional status of several clients. Which client has the greatest nutritional need for additional intake of protein?
- A. A college-age track runner with a sprained ankle.
- B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
- C. A school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes.
- D. An elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A lactating woman (B) has the greatest need for additional protein intake. Lactation increases the metabolic demands for protein to support milk production, making it essential for the mother to have a higher protein intake. While clients in choices A, C, and D also require protein for various reasons, they do not have the same increased protein demands as a lactating woman. Choice A, a college-age track runner with a sprained ankle, may need protein for tissue repair but not at the level required during lactation. Choice C, a school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes, may benefit from protein for overall health but does not have the same increased protein needs as a lactating woman. Choice D, an elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer, may need protein for healing but not to the extent required by a lactating woman.
4. The mental health nurse plans to discuss a client's depression with the health care provider in the emergency department. There are two clients sitting across from the emergency department desk. Which nursing action is best?
- A. Only refer to the client by gender.
- B. Identify the client only by age.
- C. Avoid using the client's name.
- D. Discuss the client another time.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best nursing action is to discuss the client another time. When discussing a client's confidential information, it is essential to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Given the presence of other clients in the immediate vicinity, it is inappropriate to discuss personal details about a client's condition openly. Waiting for a more private setting is crucial to uphold the client's right to privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, B, and C are not appropriate because referring to the client only by gender, age, or avoiding the client's name does not address the issue of discussing confidential information in a public setting, which compromises the client's privacy and confidentiality.
5. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?
- A. Low serum albumin level
- B. Low serum transferrin level
- C. High hemoglobin level
- D. High cholesterol level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A low serum albumin level is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Serum albumin levels reflect long-term protein status, and a significantly lowered level usually indicates ongoing protein deficiency. Other laboratory values, such as serum transferrin, hemoglobin, or cholesterol levels, may be affected by various factors and conditions, but serum albumin is a more specific marker for chronic protein malnutrition.
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