HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism?
- A. Fatigue.
 - B. Weight gain.
 - C. Cold intolerance.
 - D. Heat intolerance.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cold intolerance.' Hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased metabolic rate, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature and a feeling of being cold. Fatigue (Choice A) and weight gain (Choice B) are also common symptoms of hypothyroidism due to the overall slowing down of bodily functions. Heat intolerance (Choice D) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body's metabolism is overactive, leading to increased heat production.
2. What is an expected outcome when a client is receiving an IV administration of furosemide?
- A. Increased blood pressure.
 - B. Increased urine output.
 - C. Decreased pain.
 - D. Decreased premature ventricular contractions.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased urine output. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production. This diuretic effect helps to reduce fluid volume in the body, making it an expected outcome when a client is receiving furosemide. Choice A, increased blood pressure, is incorrect because furosemide typically causes a decrease in blood pressure due to its diuretic effect. Choice C, decreased pain, and choice D, decreased premature ventricular contractions, are unrelated to the pharmacological action of furosemide.
3. The healthcare provider is assessing a client undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately to the physician?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
 - B. Clear dialysate inflow.
 - C. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
 - D. Increased blood pressure.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow should be reported immediately to the physician as it is a concerning sign of peritonitis, a severe infection of the peritoneum. Peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications. Clear dialysate outflow and inflow are normal findings in peritoneal dialysis and do not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Increased blood pressure, while important to monitor, is not directly related to peritoneal dialysis and would not be the priority over the potentially life-threatening complication of peritonitis.
4. In a 46-year-old female client admitted for acute renal failure secondary to diabetes and hypertension, which test is the best indicator of adequate glomerular filtration?
- A. Serum creatinine.
 - B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
 - C. Sedimentation rate.
 - D. Urine specific gravity.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine. Creatinine is a product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the glomerulus. Blood levels of creatinine are not affected by dietary or fluid intake, making it a reliable indicator of kidney function. An elevated creatinine level strongly suggests nephron loss, indicating decreased glomerular filtration rate. Choice B, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), reflects the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood and can be influenced by factors other than kidney function, such as protein intake and liver health, making it less specific for evaluating glomerular filtration. Choice C, Sedimentation rate, is a measure of how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube and is not a direct marker of kidney function. Choice D, Urine specific gravity, mainly reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is not a direct indicator of glomerular filtration rate. Therefore, Serum creatinine is the most appropriate test to assess glomerular filtration in this scenario.
5. During a routine clinic visit, a nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking. The client, who exercises regularly, reports calf pain during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
- A. Heart rate of 57 bpm.
 - B. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
 - C. Blood pressure of 134/82.
 - D. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client experiencing intermittent claudication, indicating compromised blood flow to the lower extremities during exercise. This finding requires further evaluation to assess the severity of arterial insufficiency and determine appropriate interventions. Choice A (Heart rate of 57 bpm) is within the normal range for an adult at rest and indicates good cardiovascular fitness. Choice B (SpO2 of 94% on room air) is slightly lower than the normal range but is generally acceptable in a healthy individual. Choice C (Blood pressure of 134/82) falls within the normal range and does not raise immediate concerns in this context.
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