HESI RN
RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with asthma is experiencing wheezing. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator immediately.
- B. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate.
- C. Perform a chest x-ray to assess lung function.
- D. Place the client in a high Fowler’s position.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator immediately. Wheezing in a client with asthma indicates bronchoconstriction, which can compromise airflow. Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention as it helps to open the airways, relieve bronchoconstriction, and improve breathing. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (choice B) may be necessary but is not the priority when the airways are constricted. Performing a chest x-ray (choice C) is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (choice D) may provide some relief, but administering a bronchodilator to address the bronchoconstriction is the priority intervention.
2. A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving an insulin infusion. Which finding indicates that the treatment is effective?
- A. Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L.
- B. Blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL.
- C. Urine output of 50 mL/hour.
- D. Absence of ketones in the urine.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absence of ketones in the urine. In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) receiving an insulin infusion, the absence of ketones in the urine indicates that ketoacidosis is resolving. This is a crucial finding as it shows that the insulin therapy is effectively addressing the metabolic imbalance causing DKA. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within normal range but does not directly reflect the resolution of DKA; a blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL, while improved, is still high and does not specifically indicate the resolution of ketoacidosis; urine output of 50 mL/hour is within normal limits but does not directly point to the resolution of DKA.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take before starting the transfusion?
- A. Administer pre-transfusion medication
- B. Ensure the client has an adequate fluid intake
- C. Monitor the client's vital signs
- D. Verify the blood type with another nurse
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Verifying the blood type with another nurse is critical before starting a blood transfusion to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. This step ensures that the client receives the correct blood product. Administering pre-transfusion medication, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and monitoring vital signs are important steps during the transfusion process, but verifying the blood type is the most crucial step to ensure patient safety.
4. A client receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's best intervention to manage these symptoms?
- A. Offer frequent, small meals
- B. Administer antiemetics before meals
- C. Encourage the client to eat a high-fat diet
- D. Provide the client with cold, carbonated beverages
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering antiemetics before meals is the best intervention to manage nausea and vomiting in clients receiving chemotherapy. This proactive approach helps control symptoms by preventing nausea from occurring, rather than waiting to treat it once symptoms have already started. Offering frequent, small meals (choice A) may worsen symptoms in some cases due to increased stomach activity. Encouraging a high-fat diet (choice C) can be difficult for nauseated clients and may not alleviate symptoms. Providing cold, carbonated beverages (choice D) could exacerbate nausea further due to the temperature and carbonation.
5. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been experiencing increasing shortness of breath. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute
- B. Use of accessory muscles for breathing
- C. Barrel chest appearance
- D. A pulse oximetry reading of 88%
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A pulse oximetry reading of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which requires immediate intervention to improve oxygenation. Hypoxemia can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. While a respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute and the use of accessory muscles for breathing are concerning in COPD, they do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Similarly, a barrel chest appearance is a common finding in COPD and does not require urgent intervention compared to the critical need to address hypoxemia.
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