HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. When preparing to examine a client’s skin using a Wood light, what should the nurse do to facilitate this procedure?
- A. Darken the examining room
- B. Administer a local anesthetic
- C. Obtain a signed informed consent
- D. Shave the skin and scrub it with povidone-iodine (Betadine)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When using a Wood light to examine the skin, the nurse should darken the examining room. This is necessary because the Wood light emits long-wavelength UV light, which is better visualized in a darkened environment. Administering a local anesthetic (Choice B) is not needed for this procedure. Obtaining a signed informed consent (Choice C) is not directly related to using a Wood light for skin examination. Shaving the skin and scrubbing it with povidone-iodine (Betadine) (Choice D) is not required and may not be appropriate for this type of skin examination.
2. A client without a history of respiratory disease has a pulse oximeter in place after surgery. The nurse monitors the pulse oximeter readings to ensure that oxygen saturation remains above:
- A. 85%
- B. 89%
- C. 95%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of continuously monitoring the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2). In the absence of underlying respiratory disease, the expected oxygen saturation level is at least 95%. Oxygen saturation levels below 95% may indicate hypoxemia, which can compromise tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Therefore, maintaining oxygen saturation above 95% is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation post-surgery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent oxygen saturation levels that are below the expected value for a client without a history of respiratory disease, which should be at least 95%.
3. A client recovering from a urologic procedure is being assessed by a nurse. Which assessment finding indicates an obstruction of urine flow?
- A. Severe pain
- B. Overflow incontinence
- C. Hypotension
- D. Blood-tinged urine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Overflow incontinence.' The most common manifestation of urethral stricture after a urologic procedure is obstruction of urine flow. This obstruction can lead to overflow incontinence, which is the involuntary loss of urine when the bladder is distended. Severe pain is not typically associated with an obstruction of urine flow. Hypotension is unrelated to this issue. Blood-tinged urine is not a direct indication of an obstruction of urine flow but may indicate other conditions like trauma or infection.
4. The provider has ordered Kayexalate and sorbitol to be administered to a patient. The nurse caring for this patient would expect which serum electrolyte values prior to administration of this therapy?
- A. Sodium 125 mEq/L and potassium 2.5 mEq/L
- B. Sodium 150 mEq/L and potassium 3.6 mEq/L
- C. Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L
- D. Sodium 148 mEq/L and potassium 5.5 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia, with a potassium level of 6.9 mEq/L, requires aggressive treatment with Kayexalate and sorbitol to increase the body’s excretion of potassium. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L, so patients with the other potassium levels would not be treated aggressively or would need potassium supplementation. Therefore, option C (Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L) is the correct choice as it indicates severe hyperkalemia warranting the administration of Kayexalate and sorbitol. Options A, B, and D have either potassium levels within normal limits, which would not necessitate this aggressive treatment, or potassium levels that are lower than what would typically prompt the need for Kayexalate and sorbitol.
5. A client recovering from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi has an ecchymotic area on the right lower back. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Administer fresh-frozen plasma.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the site.
- C. Place the client in the prone position.
- D. Obtain serum coagulation test results.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ecchymosis can occur due to bleeding into the tissues from the shock waves. Applying an ice pack helps reduce the extent and discomfort of bruising. Administering fresh-frozen plasma and obtaining coagulation test results are not necessary as ecchymosis after this procedure is common and does not indicate a bleeding disorder that requires immediate intervention. Placing the client in the prone position will not address the bleeding or bruising in this situation.
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