HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following is a common complication of hypertension?
- A. Diabetes.
- B. Heart failure.
- C. Kidney failure.
- D. Stroke.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stroke. Hypertension can lead to stroke due to the increased pressure on blood vessels in the brain, which can result in reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain tissue. While choices B (Heart failure) and C (Kidney failure) can be complications of hypertension, they are not as directly associated as stroke. Choice A, Diabetes, is not a direct complication of hypertension but rather a separate condition that can be influenced by various factors. However, stroke is more commonly linked to the increased pressure on blood vessels in the brain in individuals with hypertension.
2. A patient taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to treat a urinary tract infection complains of a sore throat. The nurse will contact the provider to request an order for which laboratory test(s)?
- A. Complete blood count with differential
- B. Throat culture
- C. Urinalysis
- D. Coagulation studies
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for a urinary tract infection presents with a sore throat, the nurse should request a complete blood count with differential. TMP-SMX can cause life-threatening adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, a condition characterized by a low white blood cell count, which can manifest as a sore throat. Ordering a complete blood count with differential helps assess the patient's white blood cell count to detect any potential serious adverse effects. Throat culture (Choice B) is not indicated unless there are specific signs of a throat infection. Urinalysis (Choice C) is not relevant for assessing a sore throat. Coagulation studies (Choice D) are not typically indicated for a sore throat symptom.
3. In a client with heart failure presenting bilateral +4 edema of the right ankle extending up to midcalf while sitting with legs dependent, what is the priority goal?
- A. Decrease venous congestion.
- B. Maintain normal respirations.
- C. Maintain body temperature.
- D. Prevent injury to lower extremities.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority goal in this scenario is to decrease venous congestion. By elevating the legs above the heart level, venous return is improved, reducing congestion in the lower extremities. This intervention helps decrease swelling and prevents complications such as impaired tissue perfusion. Maintaining normal respirations and body temperature are important aspects of care but are secondary to addressing the immediate issue of venous congestion. Preventing injury to lower extremities is also essential but takes precedence after managing the venous congestion to prevent further complications.
4. A nurse checks the residual volume from a client’s nasogastric tube feeding before administering an intermittent tube feeding and finds 35 mL of gastric contents. What should the nurse do before administering the prescribed 100 mL of formula to the client?
- A. Pour the residual volume into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed
- B. Discard the residual volume properly and record it as output on the client’s fluid balance record
- C. Dilute the residual volume with water and inject it into the nasogastric tube, applying pressure on the plunger
- D. Mix the residual volume with the formula and pour it into the nasogastric tube, using a syringe without a plunger
Correct answer: A
Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the nurse should pour the residual volume back into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and then pouring the gastric contents, using the syringe, into the nasogastric tube. This helps ensure that the residual volume is reintroduced into the client's gastrointestinal tract. Option B is incorrect because discarding the residual volume without reinstilling it into the stomach can lead to inaccurate medication administration and potential electrolyte imbalances. Option C is incorrect as diluting the residual volume with water and injecting it under pressure can cause aspiration or discomfort for the client. Option D is incorrect because mixing the residual volume with the formula can alter the prescribed dosage and consistency, potentially affecting the client's nutritional intake and causing complications.
5. A female client taking oral contraceptives reports to the nurse that she is experiencing calf pain. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine if the client has also experienced breast tenderness and weight gain.
- B. Encourage the client to begin a regular, daily program of walking and exercise.
- C. Advise the client to notify the healthcare provider for immediate medical attention.
- D. Tell the client to stop taking the medication for a week to see if symptoms subside.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Calf pain is indicative of thrombophlebitis, a serious, life-threatening complication associated with the use of oral contraceptives which requires further assessment and possibly immediate medical intervention.
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