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 has made an appointment for her annual Papanicolaou test (a.k.a. Pap smear). The nurse who schedules the appointment should tell the client that:
- A. The test cannot be performed while the client is menstruating
- B. Vaginal douching is required at least 24 hours before the test
- C. Spicy foods should not be eaten on the day of the test
- D. The test has absolutely no discomfort associated with it
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Pap smear cannot be performed with accurate results during menstruation. Menstrual blood may interfere with the test results. Choice B is incorrect as vaginal douching should be avoided for at least 24 hours before the test to prevent altering the cervical cells. Choice C is incorrect as there is no restriction on spicy foods before a Pap smear. Choice D is incorrect as some women may experience mild discomfort during the test, although it is generally well-tolerated.
3. A client with a diagnosis of hypothermia is being admitted to the hospital by a nurse. Which of the following signs does the nurse anticipate that this client will exhibit?
- A. Increased heart rate and increased blood pressure
- B. Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure
- C. Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hypothermia decreases the heart rate and blood pressure due to reduced metabolic needs of the body. With lower metabolic demands, the heart's workload decreases, leading to reductions in both heart rate and blood pressure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hypothermia typically results in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, not an increase.
4. What is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia that the nurse should teach the diabetic client to recognize?
- A. Nervousness
- B. Anorexia
- C. Kussmaul's respirations
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Nervousness is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia. It is often accompanied by other signs such as weakness, perspiration, confusion, and palpitations. Anorexia (lack of appetite) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Kussmaul's respirations are a deep and labored breathing pattern seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, not hypoglycemia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia due to the release of catecholamines in response to low blood sugar.
5. A nurse checks the residual volume from a client’s nasogastric tube feeding before administering an intermittent tube feeding and finds 35 mL of gastric contents. What should the nurse do before administering the prescribed 100 mL of formula to the client?
- A. Pour the residual volume into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed
- B. Discard the residual volume properly and record it as output on the client’s fluid balance record
- C. Dilute the residual volume with water and inject it into the nasogastric tube, applying pressure on the plunger
- D. Mix the residual volume with the formula and pour it into the nasogastric tube, using a syringe without a plunger
Correct answer: A
Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the nurse should pour the residual volume back into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and then pouring the gastric contents, using the syringe, into the nasogastric tube. This helps ensure that the residual volume is reintroduced into the client's gastrointestinal tract. Option B is incorrect because discarding the residual volume without reinstilling it into the stomach can lead to inaccurate medication administration and potential electrolyte imbalances. Option C is incorrect as diluting the residual volume with water and injecting it under pressure can cause aspiration or discomfort for the client. Option D is incorrect because mixing the residual volume with the formula can alter the prescribed dosage and consistency, potentially affecting the client's nutritional intake and causing complications.
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