HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. In a patient with chronic kidney disease, which of the following lab values would be expected?
- A. Elevated creatinine levels.
- B. Low hemoglobin levels.
- C. Elevated potassium levels.
- D. Low sodium levels.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, elevated creatinine levels are expected due to impaired kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is typically filtered out by the kidneys. With kidney disease, the clearance of creatinine is reduced, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Low hemoglobin levels (choice B) may be seen in chronic kidney disease due to decreased production of erythropoietin. However, elevated potassium levels (choice C) and low sodium levels (choice D) are more commonly associated with kidney dysfunction but are not as specific indicators of chronic kidney disease as elevated creatinine levels.
2. A patient with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Hyperpigmentation.
- B. Moon face.
- C. Hypotension.
- D. Hypertension.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moon face. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels, leading to the distinctive round and full face known as moon face. Hyperpigmentation (choice A) may occur due to increased ACTH levels, but it is not a hallmark symptom like moon face. Hypotension (choice C) is less common in Cushing's syndrome as cortisol typically leads to hypertension (choice D) due to its effects on blood pressure regulation.
3. The patient is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection and taking acetaminophen for pain. The nurse should expect to review which lab values when monitoring for this drug’s side effects?
- A. Complete blood counts
- B. Electrolytes
- C. Liver enzymes
- D. Urinalysis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic, in combination with acetaminophen, a potentially hepatotoxic drug, the nurse should monitor liver enzymes. High doses of macrolides when taken with hepatotoxic drugs like acetaminophen can lead to hepatotoxicity. Reviewing liver enzymes helps in early detection of liver damage. Complete blood counts (Choice A) are not typically affected by azithromycin or acetaminophen. Electrolytes (Choice B) are not directly impacted by these medications. Urinalysis (Choice D) is not specifically indicated for monitoring the side effects of azithromycin and acetaminophen combination therapy.
4. A nurse teaches clients about the difference between urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Which statements should the nurse include in this education? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Urge incontinence involves a post-void residual volume less than 50 mL.
- B. Stress incontinence occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles.
- C. Stress incontinence usually occurs in people with dementia.
- D. Urge incontinence can be managed by increasing fluid intake.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct statement to include in the education about urge incontinence and stress incontinence is choice B. Stress incontinence occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter, leading to the inability to tighten the urethra sufficiently to overcome increased detrusor pressure. This condition is common after childbirth when pelvic muscles are stretched and weakened. Urge incontinence, on the other hand, is characterized by the inability to suppress the contraction signal from the detrusor muscle. It is often associated with abnormal detrusor contractions, which can be due to neurological abnormalities rather than post-void residual volume. Choice A is incorrect because urge incontinence is not defined by post-void residual volume. Choice C is incorrect as stress incontinence is not usually linked to dementia. Choice D is incorrect because increasing fluid intake is not a management strategy for urge incontinence.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of meningitis?
- A. Joint pain.
- B. Severe headache.
- C. Stiff neck.
- D. Coughing up blood.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A stiff neck is a common sign of meningitis due to inflammation of the meninges. Meningitis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and a stiff neck. Joint pain (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of meningitis and is more commonly associated with other conditions. While severe headache (Choice B) can be a symptom of meningitis, it is not as specific as a stiff neck. Coughing up blood (Choice D) is not a typical sign of meningitis and may indicate other respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
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