HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A client is hospitalized in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is receiving tube feedings. The nurse is teaching the client’s spouse about the kidney-specific formulation for the enteral solution compared to standard formulas. What components should be discussed in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Lower sodium
 - B. Lower potassium
 - C. Higher phosphorus
 - D. A & B
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI), clients may require tube feedings with kidney-specific formulas. These formulations are lower in sodium and potassium, which are crucial considerations due to impaired kidney function. Higher phosphorus content is not a feature of kidney-specific formulations for AKI. Therefore, options A and B (lower sodium and lower potassium) should be discussed in the teaching plan. Option C, higher phosphorus, is incorrect as kidney-specific formulas are not intended to be higher in phosphorus content for AKI patients.
2. A healthcare professional is monitoring the respiratory status of a client who has just undergone surgery and is wearing a pulse oximeter. Which of the following coexisting problems is cause for the healthcare professional to suspect that the oxygen saturation readings are not entirely accurate?
- A. Infection
 - B. Hypertension
 - C. Low blood pressure
 - D. Loss of cough reflex
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Low blood pressure (hypotension), shock, and the use of peripheral vasoconstricting medications can lead to inaccurate pulse oximetry readings due to impaired peripheral perfusion. Hypertension and infection are not typically associated with inaccurate pulse oximetry readings, while the loss of cough reflex does not directly affect oxygen saturation readings.
3. The nurse is preparing to give a dose of a cephalosporin medication to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 2 weeks. The nurse notes ulcers on the patient’s tongue and buccal mucosa. Which action will the nurse take?
- A. Hold the drug and notify the provider.
 - B. Obtain an order to culture the oral lesions.
 - C. Gather emergency equipment to prepare for anaphylaxis.
 - D. Report a possible superinfection side effect of the cephalosporin.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should report a possible superinfection side effect of the cephalosporin to the physician as the patient's symptoms may indicate a superinfection that requires treatment. Holding the drug is not necessary unless directed by the provider. Culturing the lesions is not indicated for this situation. There is no evidence to suggest impending anaphylaxis based on the patient's symptoms.
4. Which of the following assessments is the most important for a patient receiving IV potassium?
- A. Respiratory rate
 - B. Heart rate
 - C. Blood pressure
 - D. Oxygen saturation
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important assessment for a patient receiving IV potassium is monitoring blood pressure. IV potassium can cause significant changes in cardiac function, leading to adverse effects such as arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. While respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are important parameters to monitor in clinical practice, blood pressure takes precedence in patients receiving IV potassium due to its direct impact on cardiovascular function. Changes in blood pressure can be an early indicator of potassium-induced cardiac complications, making it crucial to monitor closely during administration.
5. Which of the following is the best indicator of long-term glycemic control in a patient with diabetes?
- A. Fasting blood glucose levels.
 - B. Postprandial blood glucose levels.
 - C. Hemoglobin A1c.
 - D. Random blood glucose levels.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months, providing a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control. Fasting blood glucose levels (choice A) only offer a snapshot of the current glucose level and can fluctuate throughout the day. Postprandial blood glucose levels (choice B) reflect glucose levels after meals but do not give a comprehensive view of long-term control. Random blood glucose levels (choice D) are taken at any time and lack the consistency needed to assess long-term glycemic control effectively. Therefore, Hemoglobin A1c is the superior choice for monitoring and managing diabetes over an extended period.
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