HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. During the insertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT), the client begins to cough and gag. What action should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Stop advancing the tube and allow the client to rest
- B. Remove the tube and try again after a few minutes
- C. Continue inserting the tube while the client sips water
- D. Withdraw the tube slightly and pause before continuing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client begins to cough and gag during the insertion of a nasogastric tube, withdrawing the tube slightly and pausing is the appropriate action. This technique helps prevent further irritation, gives the client a moment to recover, and allows for a smoother continuation of the insertion process. Choice A is incorrect because allowing the client to rest without adjusting the tube position might not address the issue. Choice B is incorrect as removing the tube without addressing the cause of coughing and gagging may lead to repeated discomfort. Choice C is incorrect as continuing to insert the tube while the client is experiencing difficulties can increase discomfort and potential complications.
2. In a client with moderate, persistent, chronic neuropathic pain due to diabetic neuropathy who takes gabapentin (Neurontin) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) daily, if Step 2 of the World Health Organization (WHO) pain relief ladder is prescribed, which drug protocol should be implemented?
- A. Continue gabapentin.
- B. Discontinue ibuprofen.
- C. Add aspirin to the protocol.
- D. Add oral methadone to the protocol.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the presence of moderate, persistent, chronic neuropathic pain, the WHO pain relief ladder recommends continuing gabapentin, as it is effective for managing both anxiety and pain. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is not the mainstay for neuropathic pain relief according to the ladder and can be discontinued if needed. Aspirin is not typically added to the protocol for neuropathic pain management at this step. Methadone is reserved for severe pain and is not the standard choice at Step 2 of the WHO pain relief ladder for neuropathic pain.
3. The nurse finds a client crying behind a locked bathroom door. The client will not open the door. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Instruct an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to stay and keep talking to the client.
- B. Sit quietly in the client's room until the client leaves the bathroom.
- C. Allow the client to cry alone and leave the client in the bathroom.
- D. Talk to the client and attempt to find out why the client is crying.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When encountering a client in distress, the nurse's initial response should be to communicate with the client to assess the situation and provide support. By talking to the client and attempting to find out the reason for their distress, the nurse can offer appropriate assistance and ensure the client's well-being. This action prioritizes the client's emotional needs and helps establish a therapeutic relationship, which is essential in nursing care.
4. During evacuation of a group of clients from a medical unit because of a fire, the nurse observes an ambulatory client walking alone toward the stairway at the end of the hall. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair.
- B. Remind the client to walk carefully down the stairs until reaching a lower floor.
- C. Ask the client to help by assisting a wheelchair-bound client to a nearby elevator.
- D. Open the closest fire doors to facilitate the evacuation of ambulatory clients.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a fire evacuation, it is crucial for ambulatory clients to be reminded to walk carefully down the stairs. This helps ensure the safety of the client by preventing falls or injuries during the evacuation process. Directing the client to proceed cautiously down the stairs until reaching a lower floor provides necessary guidance to promote a safe evacuation process. Choice A is incorrect because assigning unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair may delay the evacuation process and increase the risk of injury. Choice C is incorrect as it distracts the ambulatory client from evacuating safely by involving them in assisting another client. Choice D is incorrect as opening fire doors may not be the most appropriate action at that moment; prioritizing safe evacuation procedures for ambulatory clients is essential.
5. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
- B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
- C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
- D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When performing sterile wound care, it is essential to use only newly opened and unexpired solutions to maintain sterility and prevent infections. The normal saline solution obtained by the nurse is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date, making it no longer considered sterile. The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle to ensure the safety and effectiveness of wound care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because reusing an already opened and outdated solution or attempting to relabel it with a current date can compromise patient safety and increase the risk of infection.
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