HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving calcium acetate (PhosLo). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypercalcemia.
- B. Hypocalcemia.
- C. Hyperglycemia.
- D. Hypoglycemia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Question: A client with chronic renal failure is receiving calcium acetate (PhosLo). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects? Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hypercalcemia. Calcium acetate (PhosLo) is a medication used to lower phosphate levels in patients with chronic renal failure. It works by binding with dietary phosphate and preventing its absorption. However, this can lead to an excess of calcium in the blood, causing hypercalcemia. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of elevated calcium levels, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle weakness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as calcium acetate does not typically cause hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia.
2. Which of the following is a sign of hypocalcemia?
- A. Hyperactive reflexes.
- B. Depressed reflexes.
- C. Muscle cramps.
- D. Seizures.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperactive reflexes are a classic sign of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia leads to increased neuromuscular excitability, resulting in hyperactive reflexes. Depressed reflexes (Choice B) are not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Muscle cramps (Choice C) can be seen in hypocalcemia due to muscle irritability but are not a specific sign. Seizures (Choice D) can occur in severe cases of hypocalcemia but are not as common as hyperactive reflexes.
3. Which of the following is a key symptom of appendicitis?
- A. Right lower quadrant pain.
- B. Left lower quadrant pain.
- C. Generalized abdominal pain.
- D. Rebound tenderness.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Choice A: Right lower quadrant pain is a classic and key symptom of appendicitis. Pain in the right lower quadrant is typically the initial symptom and is a result of inflammation and irritation of the appendix. This pain can start around the umbilicus and then migrate to the right lower quadrant. It is important to note that appendicitis rarely presents with pain in the left lower quadrant or generalized abdominal pain. Rebound tenderness, indicated in Choice D, is a sign of peritoneal irritation and is associated with appendicitis, but it is not as characteristic as the right lower quadrant pain in the initial presentation of appendicitis.
4. The client has been receiving peritoneal dialysis. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following complications that is most likely to occur?
- A. Electrolyte imbalance
- B. Peritonitis
- C. Infection
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Peritonitis is the most likely complication to occur in clients receiving peritoneal dialysis due to the risk of infection. Peritonitis is a serious inflammation of the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity, commonly caused by infection. While electrolyte imbalance and hyperglycemia are possible complications in some cases, peritonitis poses a more immediate and severe threat to the client's health. Infection is a general term that can encompass peritonitis but is not as specific as directly identifying peritonitis as the primary concern in this scenario.
5. A nurse performing nasopharyngeal suctioning suddenly notes the presence of bloody secretions. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Continue suctioning to remove the blood
- B. Check the degree of suction being applied
- C. Encourage the client to cough out the bloody secretions
- D. Remove the suction catheter from the client’s nose and begin vigorous suctioning through the mouth
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the degree of suction being applied (Choice B). When bloody secretions are encountered during nasopharyngeal suctioning, it is crucial to assess the situation promptly. Checking the degree of suction being applied is the first step as excessive suction pressure may be causing trauma and bleeding. Adjusting the suction pressure may be necessary to prevent further harm. Continuing suctioning to remove the blood (Choice A) or performing vigorous suctioning through the mouth (Choice D) can lead to increased trauma and worsen bleeding. Encouraging the client to cough out the bloody secretions (Choice C) is not appropriate since the client undergoing suctioning is typically unable to expectorate secretions. Therefore, the priority is to check and adjust the suction settings to ensure safe and effective suctioning.
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