HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. A nurse reviews laboratory results for a client with glomerulonephritis. The client’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 40 mL/min as measured by a 24-hour creatinine clearance. How should the nurse interpret this finding? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Excessive GFR
 - B. Reduced GFR
 - C. Fluid retention and risks for hypertension
 - D. Pulmonary edema
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A GFR of 40 mL/min indicates a reduced glomerular filtration rate. In a healthy adult, the normal GFR ranges between 100 and 120 mL/min. A GFR of 40 mL/min signifies a significant reduction, leading to fluid retention and risks for hypertension and pulmonary edema due to excess vascular fluid. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as a GFR of 40 mL/min is not excessive but rather reduced. Choices C and D do not directly address the interpretation of GFR but instead describe potential consequences of a reduced GFR.
2. The nurse is monitoring a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving hemodialysis. The nurse should report which of the following findings immediately?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
 - B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (0.9 kg) since the last treatment.
 - C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
 - D. Pulse rate of 72 bpm.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (0.9 kg) since the last treatment is concerning in a client undergoing hemodialysis with chronic renal failure as it may indicate fluid overload. This finding requires immediate reporting and intervention to prevent complications such as fluid retention, pulmonary edema, or exacerbation of heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are not findings that require immediate attention in this context. Clear dialysate outflow is a normal finding during hemodialysis, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a normal range for many clients, and a pulse rate of 72 bpm is also within the expected range for most individuals.
3. A client who has undergone pleural biopsy is being monitored by a nurse. Which finding indicates a potential complication for the client?
- A. Warm, dry skin
 - B. Mild pain at the biopsy site
 - C. Complaints of shortness of breath
 - D. Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Complaints of shortness of breath are a concerning finding post-pleural biopsy, as they may indicate a complication such as a pneumothorax or hemothorax. Shortness of breath can be a sign of respiratory distress that requires immediate attention. Warm, dry skin, mild pain at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds are not typically associated with immediate complications following a pleural biopsy. Warm, dry skin may be a normal finding, mild pain can be expected at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is within normal limits.
4. During nasotracheal suctioning, which of the following observations should be cause for concern to the nurse? Select all that apply.
- A. The client becomes cyanotic.
 - B. Secretions are bloody.
 - C. The client gags during the procedure.
 - D. Clear to opaque secretions are removed.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During nasotracheal suctioning, the client gagging during the procedure is a cause for concern as it can indicate discomfort or potential airway obstruction. Cyanosis, bloody secretions, or the removal of clear to opaque secretions are expected observations that the nurse should monitor for, but gagging indicates a need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and comfort of the client. Cyanosis and bloody secretions can signify oxygenation issues and potential complications, while the removal of secretions is the goal of the suctioning procedure.
5. The client is receiving teletherapy radiation for a malignant tumor. Which instruction regarding skin care of the portal site should the nurse provide?
- A. Protect the skin of the radiation portal site from sunlight exposure
 - B. Apply moisturizing lotions daily to the radiation portal site
 - C. Avoid washing the skin inside the radiation portal site
 - D. Remove the ink marks of the portal after each radiation treatment
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Protecting the skin from sunlight exposure is crucial to prevent radiation burns and additional skin damage at the treatment site. Sun exposure can exacerbate skin reactions caused by radiation therapy. Applying moisturizing lotions daily may introduce foreign substances or irritants to the treated area, leading to potential complications. Washing the skin inside the radiation portal site is important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections. Removing the ink marks after each treatment is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary skin irritation and trauma.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
                  
$69.99/ 30 days
                
- 5,000 Questions with answers
 - All HESI courses Coverage
 - 30 days access
 
HESI RN Premium
                  
$149.99/ 90 days
                
- 5,000 Questions with answers
 - All HESI courses Coverage
 - 30 days access