HESI RN
RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice, fatigue, and a distended abdomen. Which laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Ammonia level
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Albumin level
- D. Hemoglobin level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: In clients with cirrhosis, elevated ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a serious complication. Monitoring ammonia levels is crucial to assess for changes in mental status and initiate treatment if needed. White blood cell count (choice B) is not the most important parameter to monitor in this scenario as it does not directly relate to the complications of cirrhosis. Albumin level (choice C) and hemoglobin level (choice D) are also important in cirrhosis, but in this case, monitoring ammonia level takes precedence due to its direct association with hepatic encephalopathy.
2. A client reports gastrointestinal upset after taking oral tetracycline. Which snack should the nurse recommend?
- A. Yogurt with fruit
- B. Toast with jelly
- C. Crackers with peanut butter
- D. Oatmeal with raisins
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Toast with jelly. Tetracycline can cause gastrointestinal upset when taken with dairy products. Yogurt with fruit (Choice A) contains dairy, which can worsen the gastrointestinal upset. Crackers with peanut butter (Choice C) and oatmeal with raisins (Choice D) are also not the best choices as they may not be gentle enough on the stomach. Toast with jelly is a simple snack that does not contain dairy and is less likely to exacerbate the gastrointestinal upset.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with fluid overload. The most reliable indicator of fluid volume status is
- A. Body weight
- B. Intake and output
- C. Daily weight
- D. Skin turgor
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Daily weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume status as it reflects changes in body fluid balance accurately. Body weight alone can fluctuate due to various factors, including food intake and bowel movements, which may not accurately represent fluid status. Intake and output provide information on fluid balance over time but may not reflect immediate changes. Skin turgor is a physical assessment finding that indicates hydration status, not overall fluid volume status.
4. Which task could be safely delegated by the nurse to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Accompanying a client who self-administers insulin
- B. Cleansing and dressing a small decubitus ulcer
- C. Monitoring a client's response to passive range of motion exercises
- D. Applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because tasks like applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch are within the UAP's scope of practice, as they do not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and C involve more complex assessments or interventions that require clinical judgment and should be performed by licensed nursing staff.
5. The client is being taught about precautions with Coumadin therapy. The client should be instructed to avoid which over-the-counter medication?
- A. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- B. Cough medicines containing guaifenesin
- C. Histamine blockers
- D. Laxatives containing magnesium salts
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking Coumadin, which is an anticoagulant medication. Avoiding NSAIDs helps prevent potentially dangerous interactions with Coumadin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Cough medicines with guaifenesin, histamine blockers, and laxatives containing magnesium salts do not typically have significant interactions with Coumadin therapy. Therefore, they are not the over-the-counter medications that the client needs to avoid while on Coumadin.
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