HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam
1. The nurse is preparing a 50 ml dose of 50% dextrose IV for a client with insulin shock. What is the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dilute the dextrose in one liter of 0.9% Normal Saline solution.
- B. Mix the dextrose in a 50 ml piggyback for a total volume of 100 ml.
- C. Push the undiluted dextrose slowly through the current IV infusion.
- D. Ask the pharmacist to add the dextrose to a TPN solution.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct immediate intervention by the nurse in this situation is to push the undiluted 50% dextrose slowly through the current IV infusion. This is because in cases of insulin shock, where the client has dangerously low blood sugar levels, administering 50% dextrose directly into the bloodstream helps rapidly increase blood glucose levels. Choice A is incorrect because diluting the dextrose in one liter of normal saline would delay the administration of glucose, which is needed urgently. Choice B is incorrect as mixing the dextrose in a piggyback solution would also delay the administration of the concentrated dextrose. Choice D is incorrect because adding dextrose to a TPN solution is not the immediate intervention needed to address the low blood sugar levels in a client experiencing insulin shock.
2. The nurse is caring for a client following a myelogram. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Complaint of headaches and stiff neck.
- B. Complaint of dizziness and nausea.
- C. Increased pain at the puncture site.
- D. Mild redness around the puncture site.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complaint of headaches and stiff neck. Headaches and stiff neck following a myelogram may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or other complications that require prompt medical attention. Reporting this finding immediately is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may warrant monitoring and intervention, they are not as indicative of a potentially serious complication as the symptoms described in choice A.
3. An adult female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The nurse notices the client has more energy and is giving her belongings away. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
- A. Support the client by praising her progress.
- B. Ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself.
- C. Reassure the client about the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.
- D. Advise the client to keep her belongings for discharge.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention is to ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself because increased energy and giving away belongings can be signs of suicidal ideation. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of self-harm. Choice C is incorrect because reassurance about medication effectiveness may not be appropriate in this situation. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the client's current behavior without addressing the underlying concern of potential self-harm.
4. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is admitted with a new onset of confusion. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
- B. Serum glucose level
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Prothrombin time (PT)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR should be closely monitored in a client with atrial fibrillation to assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. Monitoring the INR helps to ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent complications such as thrombosis or bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in this scenario. While serum glucose levels are important in assessing metabolic status, and white blood cell count and prothrombin time are important indicators for other conditions, they are not the primary focus when a client with atrial fibrillation presents with confusion.
5. A client with type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Serum glucose of 500 mg/dL
- B. Serum glucose of 600 mg/dL
- C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- D. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with DKA as it indicates metabolic acidosis, requiring immediate intervention. In DKA, the body produces excess ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. A low serum bicarbonate level is a key indicator of this acid-base imbalance. Elevated serum glucose levels are expected in DKA but are managed through insulin therapy. Serum potassium levels can fluctuate in DKA due to insulin deficiency, but a value of 5.5 mEq/L is not as immediately concerning as metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the most critical finding in this scenario is the low serum bicarbonate level.
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