HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a nephrostomy. Which assessment findings should alert the nurse to urgently contact the healthcare provider? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Foul-smelling drainage
 - B. Bloody drainage at site
 - C. A & B
 - D. All of the above
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a nephrostomy, the nurse should assess the client for complications and urgently notify the provider if there is foul-smelling drainage, bloody drainage at the site, or both. Foul-smelling drainage can indicate infection, while bloody drainage may suggest bleeding. Clear drainage is generally normal after a nephrostomy. A headache would not typically be directly related to nephrostomy complications. Therefore, options A and B are correct choices for urgent notification, making option C the correct answer.
2. The nurse is planning care for an older adult client who experienced a cerebrovascular accident several weeks ago. The client has expressive aphasia and often becomes frustrated with the nursing staff. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Teach the client the use of basic sign language
 - B. Speak slowly to the client
 - C. Encourage the client's use of picture charts
 - D. Ask the client simple questions
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client's use of picture charts is the most appropriate intervention for a client with expressive aphasia. Picture charts provide visual cues that can aid in communication and reduce frustration for the client. This intervention can help the client express their needs and thoughts effectively. Teaching sign language (Choice A) may be challenging and not as practical in this situation as it may not address the specific communication barriers caused by expressive aphasia. Speaking slowly (Choice B) may not fully address the communication difficulties associated with expressive aphasia. Asking simple questions (Choice D) may not be effective as the client may have difficulty understanding and responding due to the nature of expressive aphasia.
3. When assessing the lower extremities of a client with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), the nurse notes bilateral ankle edema. The edema is related to:
- A. Competent venous valves.
 - B. Decreased blood volume.
 - C. Increase in muscular activity.
 - D. Increased venous pressure.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased venous pressure.' In peripheral vascular disease (PVD), impaired blood flow leads to increased venous pressure in the lower extremities, causing fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate as edema. Choice A, 'Competent venous valves,' is incorrect because in PVD, the venous valves may be incompetent, contributing to venous pooling and edema. Choice B, 'Decreased blood volume,' is incorrect as PVD is associated with impaired blood flow rather than reduced blood volume. Choice C, 'Increase in muscular activity,' is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the development of edema in PVD.
4. A patient asks the nurse about taking calcium supplements to avoid hypocalcemia. The nurse will suggest that the patient follow which instruction?
- A. Take a calcium and vitamin D combination supplement.
 - B. Take calcium along with phosphorus to improve absorption.
 - C. Take calcium with antacids to reduce stomach upset.
 - D. Use aspirin instead of acetaminophen when taking calcium.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to take a calcium and vitamin D combination supplement. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium in the body, making it an essential component for calcium utilization. Choice B is incorrect because calcium and phosphorus have an inverse relationship, where an increased level of one mineral decreases the level of the other, so taking them together may not be beneficial. Choice C is incorrect because antacids often contain magnesium, which can promote calcium loss instead of absorption. Choice D is incorrect because aspirin can alter vitamin D levels and interfere with calcium absorption, so it is not recommended when taking calcium supplements.
5. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) to treat anemia. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypertension.
 - B. Hypotension.
 - C. Infection.
 - D. Edema.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a medication used to treat anemia in clients with chronic renal failure. One common side effect of this medication is hypertension. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of hypertension while on this medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypotension is not typically associated with epoetin alfa administration. Infection is not a direct side effect of epoetin alfa. Edema is also not a common side effect of this medication.
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