HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is admitted after vomiting bright red blood several times over the course of 2 hours. In reviewing the laboratory results, the nurse finds the client's hemoglobin is 12 g/dL (120g/L) and the hematocrit is 35% (0.35). Which action should the nurse prepare to take?
- A. Continue monitoring for blood loss
- B. Administer 1,000 mL (1L) of normal saline
- C. Transfuse 2 units of platelets
- D. Prepare the client for emergency surgery
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare the client for emergency surgery. The client's presentation with bright red blood in vomitus suggests active bleeding, which is a medical emergency. With a hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and a hematocrit of 35%, the client is likely experiencing significant blood loss that may require surgical intervention to address the source of bleeding. Continuing to monitor for blood loss (Choice A) is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate action is necessary. Administering normal saline (Choice B) may help with fluid resuscitation but does not address the underlying cause of bleeding. Transfusing platelets (Choice C) is not indicated in this scenario as platelets are involved in clot formation and are not the primary treatment for active bleeding in this context.
2. The client with chronic renal failure is being taught about fluid restrictions by the nurse. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can drink as much water as I want, as long as I limit my salt intake.
- B. I should limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- C. I can skip dialysis sessions if I feel tired.
- D. I can eat whatever I want, as long as I take my medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because clients with chronic renal failure should not skip dialysis sessions. Skipping dialysis can lead to serious complications and worsen the client's condition. It is crucial for clients to understand the importance of adhering to their dialysis schedule for optimal management of chronic renal failure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they demonstrate understanding of fluid restrictions, the need to limit fluid intake to prevent overload, and the importance of medication compliance, respectively. These statements show appropriate knowledge and do not indicate a need for further teaching.
3. A 58-year-old client who has been post-menopausal for five years is concerned about the risk for osteoporosis because her mother has the condition. Which information should the nurse offer?
- A. Osteoporosis is a progressive genetic disease with no effective treatment.
- B. Calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake and exercise.
- C. Estrogen replacement therapy should be started to prevent the progression of osteoporosis.
- D. Low-dose corticosteroid treatment effectively halts the course of osteoporosis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Post-menopausal females are at risk for osteoporosis due to the cessation of estrogen secretion. While genetics can play a role, osteoporosis is not solely a genetic disease. Increasing calcium intake, along with vitamin D supplementation and weight-bearing exercise, can help prevent further bone loss by slowing down calcium loss from bones. Estrogen replacement therapy is no longer recommended as a first-line treatment for osteoporosis due to associated risks. Corticosteroid treatment is not typically used as a primary treatment for osteoporosis.
4. A client with a history of type 1 diabetes Mellitus (DM) and asthma is readmitted to the unit for the third time in two months with a current fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 325mg/dl (18mmol/L SI). The client describes to the nurse not understanding why the blood glucose level continues to be out of control. Which interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Have the client describe a typical day at work, home, and social activities
- B. Determine if the client is using a new insulin needle for each administration
- C. Evaluate the client's asthma medications that can elevate blood glucose
- D. Have the client demonstrate the technique used to monitor blood glucose levels
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to have the client describe a typical day at work, home, and social activities. By understanding the client's daily routine, the nurse can gain valuable insights into lifestyle factors that may be impacting blood glucose control. This information is essential for identifying potential triggers or patterns contributing to the elevated blood sugar levels. Option B, determining if the client is using a new insulin needle for each administration, focuses more on the technical aspect of insulin delivery and is not directly related to daily activities affecting blood glucose levels. Option C, evaluating the client's asthma medications that can elevate blood glucose, could be relevant but is not as directly linked to the client's lifestyle choices as option A. Option D, having the client demonstrate the technique for monitoring blood glucose levels, is important for assessing their skills but does not provide information on daily activities that may be influencing blood sugar levels.
5. An 81-year-old male client has emphysema. He lives at home with his cat and manages self-care with no difficulty. When making a home visit, the nurse notices that his tongue is somewhat cracked, and his eyeballs are sunken into his head. What nursing intervention is indicated?
- A. Help the client determine ways to increase his fluid intake.
- B. Obtain an appointment for the client to see a pulmonologist.
- C. Schedule an appointment with a nutritionist to assess the client's diet.
- D. Encourage the client to slightly increase his use of oxygen at night and to always use humidified oxygen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing intervention in this scenario is to assist the client in finding ways to increase his fluid intake. Clients with COPD, including emphysema, should aim to consume at least three liters of fluids per day to help keep their mucus thin. As the disease progresses, these clients may decrease fluid intake due to various reasons. Suggesting creative methods, such as having disposable fruit juices readily available, can help the client meet this goal. Option B is incorrect as seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist is not directly related to the client's symptoms. Option C is not the priority in this case, as the main concern is addressing the client's dehydration. Option D does not address the immediate need for managing the client's dehydration and is not the most appropriate intervention at this time.
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