HESI RN
Leadership and Management HESI
1. A client with Addison's disease is being educated about managing the condition during times of stress. The nurse should instruct the client to:
- A. Double the dose of corticosteroids during periods of stress.
- B. Skip the dose of corticosteroids if you feel well.
- C. Decrease fluid intake to prevent hypertension.
- D. Avoid physical activity during stressful times.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with Addison's disease should be educated to double their corticosteroid dosage during periods of stress. This is crucial to prevent adrenal crisis, as stress can increase the body's demand for cortisol. Skipping doses when feeling well can lead to an adrenal crisis if stress occurs suddenly. Decreasing fluid intake can exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are already concerns in Addison's disease. Avoiding physical activity during stressful times is not the most appropriate advice; moderate physical activity can be beneficial, as long as the client is adequately managing their corticosteroid regimen.
2. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following lab findings would confirm this diagnosis?
- A. Serum glucose of 180 mg/dL
- B. Serum bicarbonate of 22 mEq/L
- C. Blood pH of 7.25
- D. Urine specific gravity of 1.020
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A blood pH of 7.25 is a critical finding in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as it indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a hallmark of this condition. In DKA, there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to increased acidity. The serum glucose level is typically elevated in DKA, often exceeding 250 mg/dL. A serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq/L is usually seen in DKA due to the metabolic acidosis. Urine specific gravity is not a specific indicator for DKA and may vary depending on the individual's hydration status. Therefore, the correct lab finding that confirms DKA in this scenario is a blood pH of 7.25.
3. A female client with physical findings suggestive of a hyperpituitary condition undergoes an extensive diagnostic workup. Test results reveal a pituitary tumor, necessitating a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The evening before the surgery, Nurse Jacob reviews preoperative and postoperative instructions provided to the client earlier. Which postoperative instruction should the nurse emphasize?
- A. You must lie flat for 24 hours after surgery.
- B. You must avoid coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose.
- C. You must restrict your fluid intake.
- D. You must report ringing in your ears immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, it is crucial to avoid activities such as coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose to prevent an increase in intracranial pressure or the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing can strain the surgical site, potentially leading to complications. Lying flat for 24 hours is not typically required after this surgery. Fluid intake should be encouraged to prevent dehydration. Ringing in the ears is not a common complication associated with this type of surgery.
4. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider report?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Weight loss
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia is a common finding due to increased cortisol levels leading to insulin resistance. This can have serious implications such as diabetes mellitus and should be promptly reported for appropriate management. Hypotension (choice A) is more commonly associated with Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain rather than weight loss (choice C) is typically observed in clients with Cushing's syndrome. While hypokalemia (choice D) can occur in Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol affecting potassium levels, it is not as critical as hyperglycemia and may not be the priority for immediate reporting.
5. A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radioactive iodine. The nurse should teach the client to expect which of the following side effects?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Hypothyroidism
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client with hyperthyroidism undergoes radioactive iodine treatment, it often leads to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of thyroid tissue. This occurs as a desired outcome of the treatment to reduce the overactive thyroid function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased heart rate, hypercalcemia, and weight loss are not expected side effects of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Instead, the goal is to suppress the overactive thyroid, leading to a hypothyroid state.
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