if a patient has sallow skin what is true

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. If a patient has SALLOW skin, what is true?

A. Her skin has a yellow tint
B. Her skin has a blue tint
C. Her skin has a red tint
D. Her skin has a green tint

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sallow skin is a term used to describe skin that appears yellowish in color. This discoloration can be due to various factors, such as an underlying health condition, poor circulation, or certain medications. Observing sallow skin can be an important clinical indicator that prompts further investigation into the patient's overall health status. Choice B, blue tint, is incorrect as sallow skin is not associated with a blue color. Choice C, red tint, and Choice D, green tint, are also incorrect as sallow skin specifically refers to a yellowish complexion, not red or green.

2. Select the meaning of the word 'PRN' in the sentence: 'The nurse gave the patient a PRN medication.'

A. Pinpoint
B. Relocate
C. Eradicate
D. Reduce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'PRN' is a medical abbreviation that stands for 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed.' In this context, the medication is given to reduce symptoms as they arise. Choice A, 'Pinpoint,' does not align with the meaning of 'PRN.' Choices B and C, 'Relocate' and 'Eradicate,' are unrelated to the concept of 'as needed' medications.

3. Choose the meaning of the word 'persistent' in the following sentence: 'The elderly patient has been fighting a persistent cold.'

A. Typical
B. Harmless
C. Without cure
D. Lasting a long time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the sentence provided, the word 'persistent' is used to describe the cold, indicating that it has been lasting for a long time without going away easily. This choice emphasizes the prolonged nature of the cold. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because 'persistent' does not mean 'typical,' 'harmless,' or 'without cure' in this context. The key is to focus on the word's meaning in relation to the duration of the cold.

4. The abbreviation DTs on a patient’s chart stands for ___________.

A. deep tendon reflex
B. descending thorax
C. delirium tremens
D. dextrose in water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation DTs on a patient's chart stands for delirium tremens, which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of delirium tremens include confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation, seizures, and autonomic instability. This condition requires prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Deep tendon reflex (A) refers to the reflex response elicited by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer, descending thorax (B) is not a recognized medical term, and dextrose in water (D) is a solution used for various medical purposes but is not represented by the abbreviation DTs.

5. An alarm that is strident is ___________.

A. shrill
B. muted
C. constant
D. resonant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A strident alarm is loud, harsh, and piercing. The word 'shrill' specifically denotes a high-pitched and piercing sound, which aligns well with the characteristics of a strident alarm. Therefore, 'shrill' is the most suitable answer in this context. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a strident alarm is not quiet (muted), unchanging (constant), or deep and full (resonant), but rather loud and harsh.