HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. In a client with heart failure presenting bilateral +4 edema of the right ankle extending up to midcalf while sitting with legs dependent, what is the priority goal?
- A. Decrease venous congestion.
- B. Maintain normal respirations.
- C. Maintain body temperature.
- D. Prevent injury to lower extremities.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority goal in this scenario is to decrease venous congestion. By elevating the legs above the heart level, venous return is improved, reducing congestion in the lower extremities. This intervention helps decrease swelling and prevents complications such as impaired tissue perfusion. Maintaining normal respirations and body temperature are important aspects of care but are secondary to addressing the immediate issue of venous congestion. Preventing injury to lower extremities is also essential but takes precedence after managing the venous congestion to prevent further complications.
2. Which of the following is a key symptom of myocardial infarction (MI)?
- A. Chest pain.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Nausea.
- D. Fatigue.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain. Chest pain is a hallmark symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) due to inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. This pain can be severe, crushing, or squeezing, and may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back. Shortness of breath (choice B), nausea (choice C), and fatigue (choice D) can accompany MI but are not as specific or characteristic as chest pain in diagnosing this condition. Therefore, chest pain is the primary symptom to recognize for suspected MI.
3. A middle-aged adult with a family history of CAD has the following: total cholesterol 198 (11 mmol/L); LDL cholesterol 120 (6.7 mmol/L); HDL cholesterol 58 (3.2 mmol/L); triglycerides 148 (8.2 mmol/L); blood sugar 102 (5.7 mmol/L); and C-reactive protein (CRP) 4.2. The health care provider prescribes a statin medication and aspirin. The client asks the nurse why these medications are needed. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. The labs indicate severe hyperlipidemia and the medications will lower your LDL, along with a low-fat diet.
- B. The triglycerides are elevated and will not return to normal without these medications.
- C. The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed.
- D. These medications will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: CRP is a marker of inflammation, which is elevated in cardiovascular disease. Statins and aspirin help lower CRP and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. To help minimize the risk of postoperative respiratory complications after a hypophysectomy, during preoperative teaching, the nurse should instruct the client how to:
- A. Use incentive spirometry.
- B. Turn in bed.
- C. Take deep breaths.
- D. Cough.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client on how to take deep breaths. Deep breathing exercises are essential in preventing postoperative respiratory complications like atelectasis by promoting lung expansion. Using incentive spirometry is a more specific and advanced method of promoting deep breathing and lung expansion, making it a better choice than just turning in bed. While turning in bed may help with overall comfort and positioning, it is not as directly related to respiratory complications as deep breathing exercises. Coughing, although important for clearing secretions, is not as effective in preventing atelectasis as deep breathing exercises.
5. A client has just been scheduled for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). What should the nurse tell the client about the procedure? Select all that apply.
- A. That informed consent is required
- B. That the test takes about 1 hour to complete
- C. That premedication for sedation may be necessary
- D. That food and fluids will be withheld before the procedure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is that the ERCP procedure takes about 1 hour to complete. Informed consent is required before the procedure. Premedication for sedation may be necessary as sedation is commonly used during ERCP to keep the client comfortable. Food and fluids are withheld before the procedure to prevent aspiration and ensure a clear view during the procedure. Position changes may be necessary to facilitate the passage of the tube.
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