HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Practice Exam
1. When performing a health history on a patient who is to begin receiving a thiazide diuretic to treat heart failure, the nurse will be concerned about a history of which condition?
- A. Asthma
 - B. Glaucoma
 - C. Gout
 - D. Hypertension
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics block uric acid secretion, leading to elevated levels that can contribute to gout. Therefore, patients with a history of gout should take thiazide diuretics with caution. Asthma (Choice A), Glaucoma (Choice B), and Hypertension (Choice D) are not directly contraindicated with thiazide diuretics, making choices A, B, and D incorrect.
2. The nurse is providing teaching to a patient who will begin taking a cephalosporin to treat an infection. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I may stop taking the medication if my symptoms clear up.
 - B. I should eat yogurt while taking this medication.
 - C. I should stop taking the drug and call my provider if I develop a rash.
 - D. I will not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients should take all of an antibiotic regimen even after symptoms clear to ensure complete treatment of the infection.
3. When a young client being taught to use an inhaler for asthma symptoms states the intention to use the inhaler but plans to continue smoking cigarettes, what is the best initial action by the nurse?
- A. Inform the healthcare provider of the client's statement.
 - B. Explain that denial of illness can interfere with the treatment regimen.
 - C. Revise the plan of care based on the client's plans to continue smoking.
 - D. Review factors surrounding the client's beliefs about smoking cessation.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best initial action by the nurse when a client expresses plans to use an inhaler for asthma symptoms but continue smoking cigarettes is to address denial. By explaining that denial of illness can interfere with the treatment regimen, the nurse educates the client about the impact of smoking on asthma treatment. This approach helps the client understand the importance of smoking cessation in managing asthma symptoms. Informing the healthcare provider (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the initial action in this scenario. Revising the plan of care (Choice C) should be considered after addressing the client's denial and educating them. Reviewing factors surrounding the client's beliefs about smoking cessation (Choice D) is relevant but not the best initial action when denial is identified.
4. A client with acute kidney injury has a blood pressure of 76/55 mm Hg. The health care provider ordered 1000 mL of normal saline to be infused over 1 hour to maintain perfusion. The client is starting to develop shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP).
 - B. Ask for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter.
 - C. Take the client’s pulse.
 - D. Slow down the normal saline infusion.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client may be developing fluid overload and respiratory distress due to the rapid normal saline infusion. The priority action is to slow down the infusion to prevent worsening respiratory distress and potential fluid overload. While calculating the mean arterial pressure (MAP) is important to assess perfusion, addressing the immediate respiratory distress takes precedence. Inserting a pulmonary artery catheter would provide detailed hemodynamic information but is not the initial step in managing acute respiratory distress. Monitoring vital signs, including the client's pulse, is crucial after adjusting the intravenous infusion to ensure a safe response to the intervention.
5. An elderly client is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. The nurse's assessment of the client will most likely reveal which sign/symptom?
- A. Leukocytosis and febrile.
 - B. Polycythemia and crackles.
 - C. Pharyngitis and sputum production.
 - D. Confusion and tachycardia.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The onset of pneumonia in the elderly may be signaled by general deterioration, confusion, increased heart rate or increased respiratory rate due to the decreased oxygen- carbon dioxide exchange at the alveoli, known as the V-Q mismatch.
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