HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. After the administration of t-PA, what should the nurse do?
- A. Observe the client for chest pain.
 - B. Monitor for fever.
 - C. Review the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
 - D. Auscultate breath sounds.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: After the administration of t-PA, the nurse should observe the client for chest pain. Chest pain post t-PA administration could indicate reocclusion of the coronary artery, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Monitoring for fever (choice B) is not specifically associated with t-PA administration. While reviewing the 12-lead ECG (choice C) is important for assessing cardiac function, it may not be the immediate priority right after t-PA administration. Auscultating breath sounds (choice D) is important for assessing respiratory status but is not the most crucial assessment following t-PA administration.
2. A patient taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to treat a urinary tract infection complains of a sore throat. The nurse will contact the provider to request an order for which laboratory test(s)?
- A. Complete blood count with differential
 - B. Throat culture
 - C. Urinalysis
 - D. Coagulation studies
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for a urinary tract infection presents with a sore throat, the nurse should request a complete blood count with differential. TMP-SMX can cause life-threatening adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, a condition characterized by a low white blood cell count, which can manifest as a sore throat. Ordering a complete blood count with differential helps assess the patient's white blood cell count to detect any potential serious adverse effects. Throat culture (Choice B) is not indicated unless there are specific signs of a throat infection. Urinalysis (Choice C) is not relevant for assessing a sore throat. Coagulation studies (Choice D) are not typically indicated for a sore throat symptom.
3. In a patient with asthma, which of the following is the most important indicator of respiratory function?
- A. Oxygen saturation.
 - B. Respiratory rate.
 - C. Arterial blood gases.
 - D. Peak expiratory flow rate.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The peak expiratory flow rate is the most important indicator of respiratory function in asthma because it measures how quickly air can be exhaled, reflecting the severity of airflow limitation. Oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important in assessing oxygenation, but it does not directly reflect respiratory function. Respiratory rate (Choice B) can provide information on breathing patterns but does not quantify airflow limitation. Arterial blood gases (Choice C) give information about gas exchange but are not as specific for assessing asthma control and severity as peak expiratory flow rate.
4. An adult client is admitted with flank pain and is diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit
 - B. Encourage turning and deep breathing
 - C. Administer IV antibiotics as prescribed
 - D. Auscultate for presence of bowel sounds
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a client diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis is to administer IV antibiotics as prescribed. Acute pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection that requires prompt antibiotic therapy to prevent systemic complications and worsening of the infection. While monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit (Choice A) is important, it is not the priority in the acute phase of infection. Encouraging turning and deep breathing (Choice B) and auscultating for bowel sounds (Choice D) are relevant aspects of care but do not take precedence over initiating antibiotic treatment to address the infection promptly.
5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following findings would indicate a complication of the treatment?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
 - B. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
 - C. Decreased urine output.
 - D. Increased blood pressure.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires immediate medical attention. Peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Clear dialysate outflow is an expected finding in peritoneal dialysis, indicating proper functioning of the process. Decreased urine output is common in clients with renal failure due to impaired kidney function. Increased blood pressure may be present in renal failure but is not a direct complication of peritoneal dialysis.
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