HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. An adult female client has undergone a routine health screening in the clinic. Which of the following values indicates to the nurse who receives the report of the client’s laboratory work that the client’s hematocrit is normal?
- A. 10%
- B. 22%
- C. 30%
- D. 43%
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The normal hematocrit for an adult female client ranges from 35% to 47%. A hematocrit value of 43% falls within this normal range, indicating normal levels of red blood cells. Choices A, B, and C are low hematocrit values and are considered below the normal range for adult females, signifying potential anemia or other health issues.
2. A client tells the clinic nurse about experiencing burning on urination, and assessment reveals that the client had sexual intercourse four days ago with a person who was casually met. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Observe the perineal area for a chancroid-like lesion
- B. Obtain a specimen of urethral drainage for culture
- C. Assess for perineal itching, erythema, and excoriation
- D. Identify all sexual partners in the last four days
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining a urethral drainage specimen for culture is crucial in diagnosing a potential sexually transmitted infection (STI) in this client. While assessing for perineal symptoms like itching, erythema, and excoriation (Choice C) may provide additional information, obtaining a culture is more definitive. Observing for a chancroid-like lesion (Choice A) is not as pertinent as obtaining a culture for a broader diagnostic approach. Identifying all sexual partners in the last four days (Choice D) is important for contact tracing but obtaining a specimen for culture takes priority in this scenario.
3. A client diagnosed with a history of asthma and bronchitis arrives at the clinic with shortness of breath, productive cough with thickened, tenacious mucus, and the inability to walk up a flight of stairs without experiencing breathlessness. Which action is most important for the nurses to instruct the client about self-care?
- A. Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur
- B. Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure
- C. Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions
- D. Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Increasing the daily intake of oral fluids is crucial for clients with asthma and bronchitis as it helps to liquefy thickened mucus, making it easier to clear the airways and manage symptoms. This self-care measure can improve the client's ability to breathe more effectively. Choice A is not the most immediate concern when addressing thickened mucus and breathing difficulties. While avoiding crowded areas is beneficial to prevent respiratory infections, it is not directly related to managing thickened secretions. Teaching anxiety reduction methods is important for overall well-being, but it does not directly address the physiological issue of thickened mucus in the airways.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient who is newly admitted to the intensive care unit. The nurse reviews the patient’s admission electrolytes and notes a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Administer the digoxin and monitor the patient’s electrocardiogram closely.
- B. Hold the digoxin dose and notify the provider of the patient’s lab values.
- C. Request an order for an intravenous bolus of potassium.
- D. Request an order for oral potassium supplements.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario presented, the patient has a low serum potassium level, which can predispose the patient to digoxin toxicity. It is essential for the nurse to hold the digoxin dose and promptly notify the healthcare provider of the abnormal lab values. Option A is incorrect because administering digoxin without addressing the low potassium level can potentiate toxicity. Option C is inappropriate as potassium should not be given as an IV bolus, especially in the case of hypokalemia. Option D is incorrect because oral potassium supplements may not be sufficient for rapidly correcting severe hypokalemia in an acute care setting.
5. In a patient with pneumonia, what is the primary goal of treatment?
- A. Reducing inflammation.
- B. Eliminating the infection.
- C. Reducing pain.
- D. Preventing complications.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of treating pneumonia is to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics are commonly used to target the specific pathogen causing pneumonia. While reducing inflammation and preventing complications are important aspects of treatment, the key focus initially is on eradicating the infectious agent to improve the patient's condition and prevent further spread of the infection.
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