HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. A client is hospitalized with heart failure (HF). Which intervention should the nurse implement to improve ventilation and reduce venous return?
- A. Perform passive range of motion exercises
- B. Place the client in high Fowler's position
- C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
- D. Increase the client's activity level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In clients with heart failure, placing them in high Fowler's position is beneficial as it helps reduce venous return and improve ventilation. This position aids in decreasing the workload on the heart by promoting better lung expansion and oxygenation. Passive range of motion exercises (Choice A) are not directly related to improving ventilation or reducing venous return. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice C) may help with oxygenation but does not directly address reducing venous return. Increasing the client's activity level (Choice D) may worsen heart failure symptoms by increasing the workload on the heart.
2. The patient is being educated on taking hydrochlorothiazide. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I may need additional sodium and calcium while taking this medication.
- B. I should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables while taking this drug.
- C. I should be cautious when getting up from a bed or chair while on this medication.
- D. I will take the medication in the morning to reduce certain side effects.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients do not require extra sodium or calcium while taking hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. This medication actually promotes the excretion of sodium and water. Choices B, C, and D are correct statements regarding the use of hydrochlorothiazide. Patients are encouraged to have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, be careful with position changes due to potential orthostatic hypotension, and take the medication in the morning to reduce the need for frequent urination during nighttime.
3. Which of the following is a key symptom of hyperthyroidism?
- A. Weight loss.
- B. Weight gain.
- C. Tachycardia.
- D. Dry skin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight loss. In hyperthyroidism, there is an excess production of thyroid hormones leading to an increased metabolic rate. This increased metabolism can result in weight loss despite normal or increased appetite. Choice B (Weight gain) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism where the metabolic rate is decreased. Choice C (Tachycardia) is another common symptom of hyperthyroidism due to the effects of thyroid hormones on the heart, causing an increased heart rate. Choice D (Dry skin) is not a typical symptom of hyperthyroidism; instead, it is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism.
4. A client with acute kidney injury (AKI) weighing 50kg and having a potassium level of 6.7mEq/L (6.7mmol/L) is admitted to the hospital. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?
- A. Calcium acetate, one tablet by mouth
- B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, 15 grams by mouth
- C. Epoetin Alfa, recombinant, 2,500 units subcutaneously
- D. Sevelamer, one tablet by mouth
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with acute kidney injury (AKI) and hyperkalemia, the priority intervention is to lower the potassium level swiftly. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, reducing the overall potassium levels. Calcium acetate, epoetin alfa, and sevelamer are not indicated for the immediate reduction of potassium levels in hyperkalemia. Calcium acetate is used to control phosphate levels, epoetin alfa is a medication to treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production, and sevelamer is a phosphate binder used in chronic kidney disease to reduce phosphate levels.
5. A middle-aged male client with diabetes continues to eat an abundance of foods that are high in sugar and fat. According to the Health Belief Model, which event is most likely to increase the client's willingness to become compliant with the prescribed diet?
- A. He visits his diabetic brother who just had surgery to amputate an infected foot.
- B. He is provided with the most current information about the dangers of untreated diabetes.
- C. He comments on the community service announcements about preventing complications associated with diabetes.
- D. His wife expresses a sincere willingness to prepare meals that are within his prescribed diet.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: According to the Health Belief Model, the most effective event to increase compliance with the prescribed diet for a middle-aged male client with diabetes is experiencing a significant consequence related to the disease. In this case, visiting his diabetic brother who just had surgery to amputate an infected foot would serve as a strong 'cue to action,' increasing the client's perceived seriousness of the disease. This event is likely to have a more immediate and impactful effect on the client than other options. Option B provides valuable information but may not have the same personal and emotional impact as witnessing a severe consequence firsthand. Option C involves indirect exposure to prevention messages, which might not be as compelling as a direct experience. Option D, while supportive, does not present a direct consequence of non-compliance like option A does.
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