HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The client has had a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery 6 hours ago. Which assessment provides the most accurate information about the client's postoperative status?
- A. Radial pulse.
 - B. Femoral pulse.
 - C. Apical pulse.
 - D. Dorsalis pedis pulse.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the dorsalis pedis pulse is crucial after a femoral-popliteal bypass surgery to determine adequate circulation distal to the surgical site. A strong dorsalis pedis pulse indicates sufficient blood flow to the foot, which is essential for monitoring postoperative status. The radial pulse (A) is not the most relevant assessment as it does not provide direct information on circulation in the lower extremities. The femoral pulse (B) may not accurately reflect circulation distal to the surgical site. The apical pulse (C) is used primarily to assess the heartbeat and cardiac function, not circulation in the lower extremities.
2. The client is receiving teletherapy radiation for a malignant tumor. Which instruction regarding skin care of the portal site should the nurse provide?
- A. Protect the skin of the radiation portal site from sunlight exposure
 - B. Apply moisturizing lotions daily to the radiation portal site
 - C. Avoid washing the skin inside the radiation portal site
 - D. Remove the ink marks of the portal after each radiation treatment
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Protecting the skin from sunlight exposure is crucial to prevent radiation burns and additional skin damage at the treatment site. Sun exposure can exacerbate skin reactions caused by radiation therapy. Applying moisturizing lotions daily may introduce foreign substances or irritants to the treated area, leading to potential complications. Washing the skin inside the radiation portal site is important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections. Removing the ink marks after each treatment is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary skin irritation and trauma.
3. When assessing an individual with peripheral vascular disease, which clinical manifestation would indicate complete arterial obstruction in the lower left leg?
- A. Aching pain in the left calf.
 - B. Burning pain in the left calf.
 - C. Numbness and tingling in the left leg.
 - D. Coldness of the left foot and ankle.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Coldness of the left foot and ankle is the correct clinical manifestation indicating complete arterial obstruction in the lower left leg. Complete arterial obstruction results in reduced blood flow, leading to decreased temperature in the affected area. Aching pain (Choice A) and burning pain (Choice B) are more commonly associated with partial obstructions or ischemia, while numbness and tingling (Choice C) can be indicative of nerve involvement or compromised circulation, but not specifically complete arterial obstruction. The coldness in the foot and ankle is a result of severely reduced blood flow, which impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in that area, leading to a lower temperature. This symptom is a critical indicator of a more severe blockage compared to the other options provided.
4. A client with bladder cancer who underwent a complete cystectomy with ileal conduit is being assessed by a nurse. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to urgently contact the healthcare provider?
- A. The ileostomy is draining blood-tinged urine.
 - B. There is serous sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
 - C. The ileostomy stoma appears pale and cyanotic.
 - D. Oxygen saturations are 92% on room air.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A pale or cyanotic appearance of the ileostomy stoma indicates compromised circulation, which can lead to necrosis if not promptly addressed. On the other hand, blood-tinged urine and serous sanguineous drainage are common following a complete cystectomy with ileal conduit. These findings do not typically indicate an urgent issue. An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air is slightly below the normal range but does not warrant urgent healthcare provider contact unless accompanied by significant respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately to the physician?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
 - B. Increased blood pressure.
 - C. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
 - D. Decreased urine output.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow should be reported immediately to the physician. It is indicative of peritonitis, a severe infection of the peritoneal cavity and a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further complications or systemic infection. Clear dialysate outflow (Choice A) is a normal finding in peritoneal dialysis. Increased blood pressure (Choice B) and decreased urine output (Choice D) are common in clients with chronic renal failure and may not require immediate reporting unless they are significantly abnormal or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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