HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam
1. The nurse is preparing to administer clarithromycin to a patient. When performing a medication history, the nurse learns that the patient takes warfarin to treat atrial fibrillation. The nurse will perform which action?
- A. Ask the provider if azithromycin may be used instead of clarithromycin.
- B. Obtain an order for continuous cardiovascular monitoring.
- C. Request an order for periodic serum warfarin levels.
- D. Withhold the clarithromycin and notify the provider.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient taking warfarin also needs to receive clarithromycin, it is essential to monitor periodic serum warfarin levels. Macrolides, including clarithromycin, can increase serum levels of drugs like warfarin. Monitoring serum drug levels helps ensure that the patient's warfarin dose can be adjusted, if necessary, to maintain therapeutic levels. Asking about using azithromycin instead is not the most appropriate action in this situation, as all macrolides can interact with warfarin. Continuous cardiovascular monitoring is not indicated solely based on the use of clarithromycin. Withholding the clarithromycin without proper assessment could delay necessary treatment and is not the best initial action.
2. A client in a physician’s office has just made an appointment for an exercise stress test. The client should be instructed to:
- A. Wear sweatpants and a heavy sweatshirt
- B. Eat a small meal just before the procedure
- C. Wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes such as sneakers
- D. Avoid consuming caffeine for 30 minutes before the procedure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes, such as sneakers, for the exercise stress test. This choice ensures safety and stability during the procedure. Wearing sweatpants and a heavy sweatshirt (Choice A) would not be appropriate as the client needs to wear light, loose, comfortable clothing. Eating a small meal just before the procedure (Choice B) could lead to discomfort during the test. Avoiding caffeine for 30 minutes before the procedure (Choice D) is not a specific instruction related to the attire or preparation for the test.
3. Which of the following is a key symptom of hyperthyroidism?
- A. Weight loss.
- B. Weight gain.
- C. Tachycardia.
- D. Dry skin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight loss. In hyperthyroidism, there is an excess production of thyroid hormones leading to an increased metabolic rate. This increased metabolism can result in weight loss despite normal or increased appetite. Choice B (Weight gain) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism where the metabolic rate is decreased. Choice C (Tachycardia) is another common symptom of hyperthyroidism due to the effects of thyroid hormones on the heart, causing an increased heart rate. Choice D (Dry skin) is not a typical symptom of hyperthyroidism; instead, it is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism.
4. After educating a client with a history of renal calculi, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I should drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day.
- B. I will eliminate all dairy or sources of calcium from my diet.
- C. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products can lead to stones.
- D. The doctor can give me antibiotics at the first sign of a stone.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To prevent the formation of renal calculi, it is essential to maintain adequate hydration as dehydration can contribute to the precipitation of minerals leading to stone formation. Therefore, the correct statement indicating understanding of the teaching is choice A. Increasing fluid intake helps dilute urine and reduces the risk of stone formation. Eliminating all sources of calcium is not recommended as calcium is essential for various bodily functions and eliminating it can lead to other health issues. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products do not directly cause kidney stones. Antibiotics are not used to prevent or treat renal calculi, as they are not caused by bacterial infections.
5. The client is preparing a morning dose of insulin, which includes 10 units of regular and 22 units of NPH. The nurse is verifying the client's preparation accuracy. What should the syringe read for the correct dose?
- A. 22 units.
- B. 10 units.
- C. 32 units.
- D. 42 units.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 32 units. To determine the correct dose, the nurse needs to add the 10 units of regular insulin to the 22 units of NPH, resulting in a total of 32 units. Therefore, the syringe should read 32 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate total dose required for the morning insulin administration.
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