HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. In a patient with chronic kidney disease, which of the following is a common electrolyte imbalance?
- A. Hyperkalemia.
- B. Hypokalemia.
- C. Hypernatremia.
- D. Hyponatremia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in chronic kidney disease. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys' reduced function leads to the decreased excretion of potassium, resulting in elevated serum potassium levels. This can be dangerous as hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Hypokalemia (Choice B) is less common in chronic kidney disease as the impaired kidneys tend to retain potassium. Hypernatremia (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions such as dehydration, not primarily in chronic kidney disease. Hyponatremia (Choice D) is also possible in chronic kidney disease but is less common compared to hyperkalemia.
2. After pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade, for which signs should the nurse assess the client to determine if tamponade is recurring?
- A. Decreasing pulse
- B. Rising blood pressure
- C. Distant muffled heart sounds
- D. Falling central venous pressure (CVP)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade, the nurse should assess for distant muffled heart sounds that were noted before the procedure. If these sounds return, it could indicate recurring pericardial effusion and potential tamponade. Therefore, the correct answer is the return of distant muffled heart sounds (Option C). Decreasing pulse (Option A) and falling central venous pressure (Option D) are not specific signs of recurring tamponade. Rising blood pressure (Option B) is also not a typical sign of tamponade recurrence; in fact, hypotension is more commonly associated with tamponade.
3. In the staging process of Hodgkin's disease, what does Stage I indicate?
- A. Involvement of a single lymph node.
- B. Involvement of two or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm.
- C. Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm.
- D. Involvement of diffuse disease of one or more extralymphatic organs.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the staging process of Hodgkin's disease, Stage I signifies the involvement of a single lymph node. This stage indicates localized disease with the disease being limited to a single lymph node or a group of adjacent nodes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they describe more extensive involvement of lymph nodes, both sides of the diaphragm, or extralymphatic organs, which would correspond to higher stages in the staging system.
4. An older adult client with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. The client is anxious and complaining of a dry mouth. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Assist the client to an upright position
- B. Administer a prescribed sedative
- C. Apply a high-flow Venturi mask
- D. Encourage the client to drink water
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client to an upright position is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. An upright position helps optimize lung expansion and aids in improving ventilation, which can alleviate shortness of breath. This position also assists in reducing anxiety by providing a sense of control and comfort. Administering a sedative (Choice B) may further depress the respiratory drive in a client with COPD and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Applying a high-flow Venturi mask (Choice C) may be indicated later based on oxygenation needs, but the immediate focus should be on positioning. Encouraging the client to drink water (Choice D) may not directly address the respiratory distress and anxiety experienced by the client.
5. A client is being prepared for a colonoscopy. Into which position does the nurse assist the client for the procedure?
- A. Left Sims' position
- B. Lithotomy position
- C. Knee-chest position
- D. Right Sims' position
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During a colonoscopy, the client is positioned in the left Sims' position. This position is chosen as it optimally utilizes the client’s anatomy to facilitate the introduction of the colonoscope. The lithotomy position (Choice B) is commonly used for gynecological exams, not colonoscopies. The knee-chest position (Choice C) is typically employed for rectal examinations or certain surgical procedures, not colonoscopies. The right Sims' position (Choice D) is a less common position for colonoscopy compared to the left Sims' position.
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