HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who jogs daily is being taught by a nurse about the preferred sites for insulin absorption. What is the most appropriate site for this client?
- A. Arms
- B. Legs
- C. Abdomen
- D. Iliac crest
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The abdomen is the most appropriate site for insulin absorption in a client who jogs. When a client is involved in physical activity like jogging, the abdomen is preferred as it provides more consistent absorption compared to the arms or legs, which can have altered absorption rates due to increased blood flow during exercise. The iliac crest is not a common site for insulin injections and may not provide optimal absorption rates compared to the abdomen.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease starts on hemodialysis. During the first dialysis treatment, the client's blood pressure drops from 150/90 to 80/30. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Stop the dialysis treatment
- B. Administer 5% albumin IV
- C. Monitor blood pressure every 45 minutes
- D. Lower the head of the chair and elevate feet
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take when a client's blood pressure drops significantly during hemodialysis is to lower the head of the chair and elevate the feet. This position adjustment helps improve blood flow to the brain and vital organs, assisting in stabilizing blood pressure. Stopping the dialysis treatment immediately may not be necessary if the blood pressure can be managed effectively by position changes. Administering 5% albumin IV is not the first-line intervention for hypotension during dialysis. Monitoring blood pressure every 45 minutes is important but not the immediate action needed to address the significant drop in blood pressure observed during the dialysis session.
3. A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for bladder cancer?
- A. A 25-year-old female with a history of sexually transmitted diseases
- B. A 42-year-old male who has worked in a lumber yard for 10 years
- C. A 55-year-old female who has had numerous episodes of bacterial cystitis
- D. An 86-year-old male with a 50–pack-year cigarette smoking history
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The greatest risk factor for bladder cancer is a long history of tobacco use, which is reflected in an 86-year-old male with a 50–pack-year cigarette smoking history. Smoking is a well-established risk factor for developing bladder cancer. Choices A, B, and C are not directly linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. While sexually transmitted diseases, certain occupational exposures, and recurrent urinary tract infections may pose other health risks, they are not specifically associated with an elevated risk of bladder cancer.
4. A client with cardiovascular disease is scheduled to receive a daily dose of furosemide (Lasix). Which potassium level would cause the nurse to contact the physician before administering the dose?
- A. 3.0 mEq/L
- B. 3.8 mEq/L
- C. 4.2 mEq/L
- D. 5.1 mEq/L
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The normal serum potassium level in adults ranges from 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low, indicating hypokalemia and necessitating physician notification before administering furosemide, a loop diuretic that can further lower potassium levels. Potassium levels of 3.8 and 4.2 mEq/L are within the normal range, while a level of 5.1 mEq/L is high (hyperkalemia), but the critical value in this case is the low potassium level that requires immediate attention to prevent potential complications.
5. A client's laboratory findings indicate elevations in thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones. The nurse suspects that the client may have hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding is most often associated with hyperthyroidism?
- A. Periorbital edema.
- B. Atrophied thyroid gland.
- C. Increased pulse rate.
- D. Diarrhea stools.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Increased pulse rate is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate. Periorbital edema (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like nephrotic syndrome or heart failure, not hyperthyroidism. Atrophied thyroid gland (Choice B) is not typically an assessment finding for hyperthyroidism as the gland is usually enlarged in this condition. Diarrhea stools (Choice D) can occur in hyperthyroidism, but it is not the most common assessment finding associated with the condition.
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