HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Test Bank
1. The client with chronic renal failure is being educated on dietary restrictions. Which of the following foods should the client avoid?
- A. Bananas.
 - B. Oranges.
 - C. Rice.
 - D. Apples.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bananas. Bananas are high in potassium, and clients with chronic renal failure are often advised to follow a low-potassium diet to prevent hyperkalemia. Oranges and apples are also high in potassium and should be avoided by clients with renal issues. Rice, on the other hand, is low in potassium and is generally considered safe for individuals with chronic renal failure to consume in moderation.
2. Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities, and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Elevate extremities on pillows
 - B. Evaluate edema for pitting
 - C. Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler
 - D. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to assess pulses with a vascular Doppler. The absence of palpable pedal pulses following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair raises concerns about compromised blood flow, which could lead to serious complications like ischemia or thrombosis. Evaluating and confirming the presence or absence of pulses is crucial to guide further interventions. Elevating extremities on pillows (Choice A) may be beneficial for managing edema, but it is not the immediate priority when pulses are not palpable. Evaluating edema for pitting (Choice B) can provide additional information about fluid status but does not address the primary concern of absent pulses. Wrapping the feet with warmed blankets (Choice D) is not appropriate in this situation and may not address the underlying vascular issue.
3. A patient with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Hyperpigmentation.
 - B. Moon face.
 - C. Hypotension.
 - D. Hypertension.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moon face. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels, leading to the distinctive round and full face known as moon face. Hyperpigmentation (choice A) may occur due to increased ACTH levels, but it is not a hallmark symptom like moon face. Hypotension (choice C) is less common in Cushing's syndrome as cortisol typically leads to hypertension (choice D) due to its effects on blood pressure regulation.
4. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with left-sided heart failure?
- A. Administering IV fluids.
 - B. Administering oxygen.
 - C. Administering diuretics.
 - D. Administering antihypertensives.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with left-sided heart failure because it helps improve oxygenation. In left-sided heart failure, the heart struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues. Administering oxygen can help alleviate symptoms of hypoxia and reduce the workload on the heart. IV fluids (Choice A) may exacerbate heart failure by increasing fluid volume, diuretics (Choice C) are used to reduce fluid overload in heart failure, and antihypertensives (Choice D) are more suitable for managing hypertension, which may be a comorbidity in heart failure but are not the primary intervention for left-sided heart failure.
5. A patient is taking a thiazide diuretic and reports anorexia and fatigue. The nurse suspects which electrolyte imbalance in this patient?
- A. Hypercalcemia
 - B. Hypocalcemia
 - C. Hyperkalemia
 - D. Hypokalemia
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics lead to potassium loss, potentially causing hypokalemia. Anorexia and fatigue are common manifestations of hypokalemia. Hypercalcemia (choice A) and hypocalcemia (choice B) are not directly associated with thiazide diuretics. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is less likely than hypokalemia to be caused by thiazide diuretics.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
                  
$69.99/ 30 days
                
- 5,000 Questions with answers
 - All HESI courses Coverage
 - 30 days access
 
HESI RN Premium
                  
$149.99/ 90 days
                
- 5,000 Questions with answers
 - All HESI courses Coverage
 - 30 days access