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. A female client taking oral contraceptives reports to the nurse that she is experiencing calf pain. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine if the client has also experienced breast tenderness and weight gain.
- B. Encourage the client to begin a regular, daily program of walking and exercise.
- C. Advise the client to notify the healthcare provider for immediate medical attention.
- D. Tell the client to stop taking the medication for a week to see if symptoms subside.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Calf pain is indicative of thrombophlebitis, a serious, life-threatening complication associated with the use of oral contraceptives which requires further assessment and possibly immediate medical intervention.
3. A client with renal insufficiency and a low red blood cell count asks, 'Is my anemia related to the renal insufficiency?' How should the nurse respond?
- A. Red blood cells produce erythropoietin, which increases blood flow to the kidneys.
- B. Your anemia and renal insufficiency are related to inadequate vitamin D and a loss of bone density.
- C. Erythropoietin is usually released from the kidneys and stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
- D. Kidney insufficiency inhibits active transportation of red blood cells throughout the blood.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and is released in response to decreased oxygen tension in the renal blood supply. Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Anemia in renal insufficiency is often due to decreased erythropoietin production. Anemia and renal insufficiency are not manifestations of vitamin D deficiency as stated in choice B. Choice A is incorrect as erythropoietin does not increase blood flow to the kidneys. Choice D is incorrect because kidney insufficiency does not inhibit active transportation of red blood cells throughout the blood; rather, it affects erythropoietin production and subsequent red blood cell formation.
4. A client is receiving intermittent bolus feedings via a nasogastric tube. In which position should the nurse place the client once the feeding is complete?
- A. Supine
- B. Head of bed flat
- C. Left lateral position
- D. Head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After intermittent bolus feedings through a nasogastric tube, the correct position for the client is to keep the head of the bed flat. This position helps prevent vomiting and aspiration. Placing the client in a supine position (choice A) can increase the risk of aspiration. The left lateral position (choice C) is not typically used after nasogastric tube feedings. Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees (choice D) is suitable for continuous tube feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration, but for intermittent bolus feedings, keeping the head of the bed flat is preferred to prevent regurgitation and aspiration.
5. What is an expected outcome when a client is receiving an IV administration of furosemide?
- A. Increased blood pressure.
- B. Increased urine output.
- C. Decreased pain.
- D. Decreased premature ventricular contractions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased urine output. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production. This diuretic effect helps to reduce fluid volume in the body, making it an expected outcome when a client is receiving furosemide. Choice A, increased blood pressure, is incorrect because furosemide typically causes a decrease in blood pressure due to its diuretic effect. Choice C, decreased pain, and choice D, decreased premature ventricular contractions, are unrelated to the pharmacological action of furosemide.
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