HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following is the most important nursing action when administering a blood transfusion?
- A. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure.
- B. Monitoring the patient's temperature.
- C. Monitoring the patient's heart rate.
- D. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing action when administering a blood transfusion is monitoring the patient's blood pressure. This is crucial because monitoring blood pressure allows for the prompt identification of any signs of adverse transfusion reactions, such as transfusion reactions or fluid overload. Immediate intervention can be initiated if any complications arise. While monitoring temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are also essential aspects of patient care, they are not as critical as blood pressure monitoring during a blood transfusion. Therefore, the correct answer is to monitor the patient's blood pressure.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS)?
- A. Muscle atrophy.
- B. Severe pain.
- C. Vision problems.
- D. Hearing loss.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Vision problems are a characteristic symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) due to demyelination of the optic nerve. This can lead to issues such as optic neuritis, blurred vision, double vision, or even total vision loss. Muscle atrophy (Choice A) is not a primary symptom of MS but can occur as a secondary effect of decreased mobility. Severe pain (Choice B) is not a typical symptom of MS, though some individuals may experience pain related to muscle spasms or other factors. Hearing loss (Choice D) is not commonly associated with MS unless there is an unrelated concurrent condition affecting the auditory system.
3. A client's laboratory findings indicate elevations in thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones. The nurse suspects that the client may have hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding is most often associated with hyperthyroidism?
- A. Periorbital edema.
- B. Atrophied thyroid gland.
- C. Increased pulse rate.
- D. Diarrhea stools.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Increased pulse rate is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate. Periorbital edema (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like nephrotic syndrome or heart failure, not hyperthyroidism. Atrophied thyroid gland (Choice B) is not typically an assessment finding for hyperthyroidism as the gland is usually enlarged in this condition. Diarrhea stools (Choice D) can occur in hyperthyroidism, but it is not the most common assessment finding associated with the condition.
4. The client admitted with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) asks the nurse why her legs hurt when she walks. The nurse bases a response on the knowledge that the main characteristic of PVD is:
- A. Decreased blood flow.
- B. Increased blood flow.
- C. Slow blood flow.
- D. Thrombus formation.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Decreased blood flow.' In peripheral vascular disease (PVD), there is a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This decreased blood flow results in inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles, causing pain, especially during physical activity when oxygen demand increases. Choice B, 'Increased blood flow,' is incorrect because PVD is characterized by impaired blood circulation rather than increased flow. Choice C, 'Slow blood flow,' is not precise as PVD involves a more significant reduction in blood flow. Choice D, 'Thrombus formation,' is related to the formation of blood clots within vessels, which can be a complication of PVD but is not its main characteristic.
5. The nurse is caring for several patients who are receiving antibiotics. Which order will the nurse question?
- A. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg IV in 500 mL of fluid
- B. Azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg PO once daily
- C. Erythromycin 300 mg IM QID
- D. Erythromycin 300 mg PO QID
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the order for Erythromycin 300 mg IM QID. Erythromycin and other macrolides should not be given intramuscularly because they cause painful tissue irritation. Options A and B are correct routes for Azithromycin, either intravenously or orally. Option D is a correct route for Erythromycin, which is orally.
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