HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. When working with a large population of African-American clients at a community health center, which priority assessment should a nurse include?
- A. Measure height and weight.
- B. Assess blood pressure.
- C. Observe for any signs of abuse.
- D. Ask about medications.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing blood pressure is the priority assessment when working with a population of African-American clients due to the high prevalence of hypertension in this group. African Americans have a higher risk of hypertension, which can lead to complications like end-stage renal disease. Monitoring blood pressure allows for the early detection and management of hypertension. While measuring height and weight, observing for signs of abuse, and asking about medications are important assessments, assessing blood pressure is crucial in this context to address the specific health needs of African-American clients.
2. In a patient with diabetes, which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
- A. Polydipsia
- B. Polyuria
- C. Dry skin
- D. Sweating
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sweating is a common sign of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, leading to symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, and palpitations. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination) are more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in diabetes. Dry skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia.
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Increased lung compliance.
- B. Decreased lung elasticity.
- C. Increased respiratory rate.
- D. Increased lung expansion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased lung elasticity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a loss of lung elasticity, which leads to difficulty in exhaling air. This decreased elasticity results in air becoming trapped in the lungs, making it challenging for the individual to breathe effectively. Choice A is incorrect as COPD is associated with decreased lung compliance, not increased compliance. Choice C is incorrect as individuals with COPD often have a decreased respiratory rate due to impaired lung function. Choice D is incorrect as COPD causes limited lung expansion due to factors like air trapping and hyperinflation.
4. A client who has undergone abdominal surgery calls the nurse and reports that she just felt 'something give way' in the abdominal incision. The nurse checks the incision and notes the presence of wound dehiscence. The nurse immediately:
- A. Contacts the physician
- B. Documents the findings
- C. Places the client in a supine position with the legs flat
- D. Covers the abdominal wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario described, the presence of wound dehiscence indicates a separation of the layers of the surgical incision. The immediate priority for the nurse is to cover the abdominal wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution. This helps to protect the wound from contamination and promotes a moist environment conducive to healing. Contacting the physician (Choice A) is important, but the initial action should be to address the wound. Documenting the findings (Choice B) is necessary but not the immediate priority. Placing the client in a supine position with the legs flat (Choice C) is not indicated in this situation as wound dehiscence requires wound care intervention.
5. The client with chronic renal failure is being educated about the importance of a low-sodium diet. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can eat canned vegetables as long as I rinse them first.
- B. I can use table salt sparingly.
- C. I can eat frozen dinners if they are labeled low-sodium.
- D. I can eat whatever I want as long as I avoid salty foods.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with chronic renal failure need to strictly limit their sodium intake. Advising the client to use table salt sparingly is incorrect as they should avoid table salt altogether to adhere to a low-sodium diet. Choice A is correct as rinsing canned vegetables can help reduce their sodium content. Choice C is correct as consuming frozen dinners labeled low-sodium can be a suitable option. Choice D is incorrect as it implies that avoiding only salty foods is sufficient, when in fact, overall sodium intake needs to be monitored closely.
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