HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. The nurse is planning care for an older adult client who experienced a cerebrovascular accident several weeks ago. The client has expressive aphasia and often becomes frustrated with the nursing staff. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Teach the client the use of basic sign language
- B. Speak slowly to the client
- C. Encourage the client's use of picture charts
- D. Ask the client simple questions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client's use of picture charts is the most appropriate intervention for a client with expressive aphasia. Picture charts provide visual cues that can aid in communication and reduce frustration for the client. This intervention can help the client express their needs and thoughts effectively. Teaching sign language (Choice A) may be challenging and not as practical in this situation as it may not address the specific communication barriers caused by expressive aphasia. Speaking slowly (Choice B) may not fully address the communication difficulties associated with expressive aphasia. Asking simple questions (Choice D) may not be effective as the client may have difficulty understanding and responding due to the nature of expressive aphasia.
2. Which food is most important to encourage a client with osteomalacia to include in a daily diet?
- A. Fortified milk and cereals
- B. Citrus fruits and juices
- C. Green leafy vegetables
- D. Red meats and eggs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fortified milk and cereals. Osteomalacia is a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin D. Fortified milk and cereals are rich sources of vitamin D, which is essential for managing osteomalacia. Citrus fruits and juices (choice B) are high in vitamin C, but vitamin D is the primary concern for osteomalacia. Green leafy vegetables (choice C) are good sources of various nutrients but not the main focus for managing osteomalacia. Red meats and eggs (choice D) are good sources of protein and other nutrients but are not as critical as fortified milk and cereals for addressing vitamin D deficiency in osteomalacia.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection. Which action is most important prior to administering the antibiotic?
- A. Administering a small test dose to determine if hypersensitivity exists
- B. Having epinephrine available in case of a severe hypersensitivity reaction
- C. Monitoring baseline vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure
- D. Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most crucial action before administering an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection is to obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity. This ensures the accurate identification of the causative organism and helps determine the most effective antibiotic therapy. Administering a test dose to detect hypersensitivity is usually reserved for cases with a strong suspicion of allergy to a needed antibiotic. Keeping epinephrine available is important when there is a significant risk of a severe allergic reaction. Monitoring baseline vital signs is essential during antibiotic therapy but is not the top priority before administering the first dose.
4. The client with chronic renal failure is receiving education on managing fluid intake. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can drink as much water as I want.
- B. I should increase my intake of high-sodium foods.
- C. I can skip a dialysis session if I feel tired.
- D. I can eat whatever I want as long as I take my medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. Clients with chronic renal failure should not skip dialysis sessions, as this can lead to serious complications. Dialysis is crucial for managing fluid and electrolyte balance in these clients. Choice A is incorrect because clients with renal failure often have fluid restrictions. Choice B is incorrect as high-sodium foods can worsen fluid retention in clients with renal failure. Choice D is incorrect because dietary restrictions are important in managing chronic renal failure, and eating whatever one wants can lead to further complications.
5. A client with cardiovascular disease is scheduled to receive a daily dose of furosemide (Lasix). Which potassium level would cause the nurse to contact the physician before administering the dose?
- A. 3.0 mEq/L
- B. 3.8 mEq/L
- C. 4.2 mEq/L
- D. 5.1 mEq/L
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The normal serum potassium level in adults ranges from 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low, indicating hypokalemia and necessitating physician notification before administering furosemide, a loop diuretic that can further lower potassium levels. Potassium levels of 3.8 and 4.2 mEq/L are within the normal range, while a level of 5.1 mEq/L is high (hyperkalemia), but the critical value in this case is the low potassium level that requires immediate attention to prevent potential complications.
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