HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for hypertension?
- A. Atenolol
- B. Aspirin
- C. Ibuprofen
- D. Metformin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Atenolol. Atenolol is a beta-blocker commonly prescribed to manage hypertension due to its ability to reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because aspirin, ibuprofen, and metformin are not typically used as first-line treatments for hypertension. Aspirin is more commonly used for its antiplatelet effects, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and metformin is primarily used for managing diabetes.
2. Which client should the nurse recognize as most likely to experience sleep apnea?
- A. Middle-aged female who takes a diuretic nightly.
- B. Obese older male client with a short, thick neck.
- C. Adolescent female with a history of tonsillectomy.
- D. School-aged male with a history of hyperactivity disorder.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often due to a collapsed or blocked airway. Obesity and having a short, thick neck are risk factors for sleep apnea because excess fat around the neck can obstruct the airway. Option A (middle-aged female who takes a diuretic nightly) does not present as a common risk factor for sleep apnea. Option C (adolescent female with a history of tonsillectomy) may have had tonsils removed, which could reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Option D (school-aged male with a history of hyperactivity disorder) is not directly associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea.
3. The nurse is preparing to begin a medication regimen for a patient who will receive intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin. Which is an important nursing action?
- A. Administer each antibiotic to infuse over 15 to 20 minutes.
- B. Order serum peak and trough levels of ampicillin.
- C. Prepare the schedule so that the drugs are given at the same time.
- D. Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with the drug name and date.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When administering intravenous aminoglycosides like gentamicin with penicillins such as ampicillin, it is crucial to avoid mixing them in the same container. Separate tubing sets labeled with the drug name and date should be used to prevent interactions between the medications. Administering each antibiotic over 15 to 20 minutes (Choice A) may not be appropriate for all medications and does not address the issue of compatibility. Ordering serum peak and trough levels of ampicillin (Choice B) is important for monitoring drug levels but does not directly address the administration process. Preparing a schedule to give drugs simultaneously (Choice C) may increase the risk of drug interactions and is not recommended when administering incompatible medications.
4. During an assessment on a patient brought to the emergency department for treatment for dehydration, the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute, a heart rate of 110 beats/minute, a blood pressure of 86/50 mm Hg, and a temperature of 39.5° C. The patient becomes dizzy when transferred from the wheelchair to a bed. The nurse observes cool, clammy skin. Which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?
- A. Fluid volume deficit (FVD)
- B. Fluid volume excess (FVE)
- C. Mild extracellular fluid (ECF) deficit
- D. Renal failure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should suspect Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD) in this patient. Signs of FVD include elevated temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which align with the patient's assessment findings. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fluid Volume Excess (FVE) typically presents with bounding pulses, elevated blood pressure, dyspnea, and crackles. Mild extracellular fluid (ECF) deficit usually manifests as thirst. Renal failure commonly results in Fluid Volume Excess (FVE) rather than Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD).
5. Which symptoms should the nurse expect a client to exhibit who is diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma?
- A. Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities.
- B. Headache, diaphoresis, and palpitations.
- C. Cyanosis, fever, and classic signs of shock.
- D. Nausea, vomiting, and muscular weakness.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Correct. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting non-cancerous tumor of the adrenal medulla. The classic triad of symptoms includes headache, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), and palpitations, which result from the overproduction of catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine. Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities (Option A) are not characteristic of pheochromocytoma. Cyanosis, fever, and classic signs of shock (Option C) are not typical symptoms of this condition. Nausea, vomiting, and muscular weakness (Option D) are not commonly associated with pheochromocytoma.
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