HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. The client with chronic renal failure who is on a low-sodium diet should avoid which of the following foods?
- A. Fresh fruits.
 - B. Canned soups.
 - C. Lean meats.
 - D. Whole grain bread.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Canned soups are high in sodium, which can lead to fluid retention and hypertension in clients with chronic renal failure who are on a low-sodium diet. Fresh fruits, lean meats, and whole grain bread are generally lower in sodium and can be included in a low-sodium diet. Lean meats provide essential protein, fresh fruits offer vitamins and minerals, and whole grain bread provides fiber, making them suitable choices for individuals with chronic renal failure.
2. A client who is anxious about an impending surgery is at risk for respiratory alkalosis. For which signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis does the nurse assess this client?
- A. Disorientation and dyspnea
 - B. Drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea
 - C. Tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias
 - D. Dysrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate and depth
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias. When a client is anxious, they may hyperventilate, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) is a common sign of respiratory alkalosis. Dizziness and paresthesias (tingling or numbness in the extremities) are also typical symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Disorientation and dyspnea (Choice A) are not specific signs of respiratory alkalosis. Drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea (Choice B) may be more indicative of other conditions. Dysrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate and depth (Choice D) are not consistent with the expected signs of respiratory alkalosis.
3. Which of the following lipid abnormalities is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease?
- A. Low concentration of triglycerides.
 - B. High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
 - C. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
 - D. Low levels of LDL cholesterol.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease by being deposited in the blood vessel walls, leading to the formation of plaques that can obstruct blood flow. Choice A is incorrect as a low concentration of triglycerides is not typically associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis or PVD. Choice B is incorrect as high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are actually considered protective against atherosclerosis as it helps remove cholesterol from arteries. Choice D is incorrect as low levels of LDL cholesterol are not typically considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis or PVD.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer an antibiotic to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 2 days after a culture was obtained. The nurse notes increased erythema and swelling, and the patient has a persistent high fever of 39°C. What is the nurse’s next action?
- A. Administer the antibiotic as ordered.
 - B. Contact the provider to request another culture.
 - C. Discuss the need to add a second antibiotic with the provider.
 - D. Review the sensitivity results from the patient’s culture.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is observing signs of a possible lack of response to the current antibiotic therapy, such as increased erythema, swelling, and persistent high fever. The next appropriate action for the nurse is to review the sensitivity results from the patient’s culture. This step is crucial to determine if the current antibiotic is effective against the causative organism. If the sensitivity results indicate resistance to the current antibiotic, the antibiotic should be discontinued, and the provider should be notified for a change in therapy. Contacting the provider to request another culture is not the immediate priority, as the existing culture results need to be reviewed first. Adding a second antibiotic should only be considered after confirming the sensitivity results, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antimicrobial resistance.
5. A client who has undergone pleural biopsy is being monitored by a nurse. Which finding indicates a potential complication for the client?
- A. Warm, dry skin
 - B. Mild pain at the biopsy site
 - C. Complaints of shortness of breath
 - D. Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Complaints of shortness of breath are a concerning finding post-pleural biopsy, as they may indicate a complication such as a pneumothorax or hemothorax. Shortness of breath can be a sign of respiratory distress that requires immediate attention. Warm, dry skin, mild pain at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds are not typically associated with immediate complications following a pleural biopsy. Warm, dry skin may be a normal finding, mild pain can be expected at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is within normal limits.
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