HESI Exit Exam A

HESI Exit Exam A

Total Questions : 117

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Question 1: View

The nurse is educating a patient who was admitted with a blood glucose level of 580 mg/dL on how to prevent complications related to diabetes mellitus.
Which statement, if made by the patient, would indicate that they have understood the teaching?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in managing diabetes, checking every four to six hours every day may not be necessary for all patients. The frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be individualized based on the type and severity of the diabetes, the patient’s blood glucose control, and the patient’s specific needs.
Choice B rationale

Keeping diabetic medication on schedule as prescribed is crucial in managing blood glucose levels and preventing complications related to diabetes. This indicates that the patient has understood the importance of medication adherence in diabetes management.
Choice C rationale
While it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption, restricting alcoholic beverages to no more than 1-2 per week is not a standard guideline for all patients with diabetes. The effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the presence of food, and the individual’s overall diabetes management.
Choice D rationale
Limiting daily fat intake to 15% of total calories is not a standard recommendation for patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends individualized medical nutrition therapy to manage diabetes, which may include monitoring carbohydrate intake and considering the quality of fats and proteins in the diet.


Question 2: View

The nurse identifies several nursing problems for an older adult client with gastroenteritis who is experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea.
The client has a history of a stroke with left-sided hemiplegia and is dependent on care provided by the spouse. Which problem should the nurse determine has the highest priority?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
In a client with gastroenteritis experiencing fever, chills, anorexia, and diarrhea, fluid volume deficit is a major concern. Diarrhea and fever can both lead to significant fluid loss. If not addressed, fluid volume deficit can lead to serious complications such as hypovolemic shock.
Choice B rationale
While impaired bed mobility may be a concern due to the client’s history of stroke, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The immediate physiological needs related to the client’s gastroenteritis and potential fluid volume deficit should be addressed first.
Choice C rationale
Caregiver role strain may be a concern given that the client is dependent on care provided by the spouse. However, this psychosocial issue is not the highest priority when the client is experiencing acute physical symptoms that need immediate attention.
Choice D rationale
Bowel incontinence could be a concern for a client with gastroenteritis. However, the risk of fluid volume deficit due to diarrhea and fever is a more immediate concern.


Question 3: View

A client with a history of adrenal insufficiency is admitted to the intensive care unit with an acute adrenal crisis. The client is complaining of nausea and joint pain.
Vital signs are: temperature 102° F (38.9° C), heart rate 138 beats/minute, blood pressure 80/60 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While obtaining an analgesic prescription might help to alleviate the client’s joint pain, it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. The client’s vital signs indicate that they are in a state of shock, which is a medical emergency.


Choice B rationale
Infusing an intravenous fluid bolus is often the first step in treating shock. The client’s low blood pressure and high heart rate suggest that they may be experiencing hypovolemic shock, which can be caused by a severe fluid loss. Administering fluids can help to increase blood volume and improve blood pressure.


Choice C rationale
Administering a PRN oral antipyretic would not address the client’s immediate need. The client’s high temperature is a concern, but the low blood pressure and high heart rate are more immediate concerns.


Choice D rationale

Covering the client with a cooling blanket would address the client’s high temperature, but it would not address the more immediate concerns of low blood pressure and high heart rate.


Question 4: View

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure.
Which of these prescribed medications places the client at risk for cardiogenic shock?

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Nadolol is a beta-blocker that can decrease heart rate and contractility, which can potentially exacerbate heart failure and lead to cardiogenic shock.

Choice B rationale

Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is often used in the treatment of heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.

Choice C rationale

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and certain heart arrhythmias. It works by increasing the force of the heart’s contractions, which can improve heart function.

Choice D rationale

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that is often used in the treatment of heart failure. It works by helping the body get rid of excess fluid, which can reduce the workload of the heart.


Question 5: View

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with acute gastritis caused by drinking contaminated water. The nurse should emphasize the need to report the onset of which problem?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While abdominal cramping can be a symptom of gastritis, it is not typically a sign of a serious complication that would require immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Bruising of the skin is not typically associated with gastritis. If the client notices unexplained bruising, they should report it, but it is not the most critical symptom to watch for.
Choice C rationale

A low-grade fever can be a symptom of gastritis, but it is not typically a sign of a serious complication. The client should monitor their temperature, but it is not the most critical symptom to watch for.
Choice D rationale
Bloody emesis can be a sign of a serious complication of gastritis, such as a bleeding ulcer. If the client notices bloody or coffee-ground emesis, they should seek medical attention immediately.


Question 6: View

A 10-year-old child with pneumonia is receiving oxygen at 5 L/minute via a nasal cannula.
When planning care for this child, what principle of oxygen administration should the nurse keep in mind?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Oxygen therapy is a crucial part of the management for patients with severe pneumonia. However, prolonged administration of high concentrations of oxygen can potentially lead to oxygen toxicity, resulting in damage to the cells of the lungs. This is due to the production of

reactive oxygen species which can damage cell structures. Therefore, it is important to avoid administering oxygen at high levels for extended periods.
Choice B rationale
While it might seem logical to increase the oxygen rate during sleep due to a slower respiratory rate, this is not typically recommended. The body’s oxygen requirements do not significantly change during sleep and increasing the oxygen rate could potentially lead to hyperoxia.
Choice C rationale
Sedatives can indeed slow the respiratory rate, but this does not decrease oxygen needs. In fact, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression and hypoxia, especially in a patient with a respiratory illness like pneumonia.
Choice D rationale
Humidification of oxygen can improve patient comfort, especially with high flow rates, by preventing dryness in the nasal passages. However, it does not make oxygen less toxic.


Question 7: View

While conducting an admission assessment of a female client with bipolar disorder, the client suddenly starts to undress and throw her clothes around the room.
What should be the nurse’s initial action?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While switching to less anxiety-provoking questions might help in some situations, it does not address the immediate issue of the client undressing inappropriately.
Choice B rationale
Ignoring the client’s inappropriate behavior could potentially encourage further inappropriate actions and does not respect the therapeutic boundaries necessary in a nurse-client relationship.
Choice C rationale
Leaving the client’s room might escalate the situation further and does not address the immediate issue.
Choice D rationale
The nurse should assertively but respectfully communicate that undressing is not appropriate during the interview. This sets clear boundaries and expectations for the client’s behavior.


Question 8: View

A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving an IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride and insulin.
Two hours later, the client’s serum laboratory results show a decrease in the serum blood glucose from 580 to 430 mg/dL (32.2 to 23.86 mmol/L). What additional laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While monitoring serum sodium levels is important in a client with DKA, it is not the most critical. Hyperglycemia can lead to a state of effective osmotic diuresis, which can cause sodium depletion.
Choice B rationale
Serum potassium levels are crucial to monitor in a client with DKA3. Despite total body potassium depletion, serum potassium levels may be high or normal upon presentation due to acidosis and insulin deficiency. However, with insulin treatment, potassium will shift back into the cells, potentially leading to life-threatening hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) might be elevated due to dehydration, but it is not the most critical lab value to monitor in the management of DKA3.
Choice D rationale
Urine ketones are not as important to monitor as serum potassium in DKA. The presence of ketones in urine only confirms that the body is breaking down fat, not the severity of DKA3.


Question 9: View

A client is experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal from the benzodiazepine alprazolam. What is the best initial nursing action?

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While obtaining a serum drug screen might be helpful in confirming the presence of benzodiazepines or other substances, it is not the most immediate concern in a client experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not be effective in managing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines.
Choice C rationale
Seizure precautions should be initiated as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the client by initiating seizure precautions is the best initial nursing action.
Choice D rationale

While education is an important part of nursing care, in this situation, the client’s immediate physical needs take precedence.


Question 10: View

A client weighing 198 lbs is prescribed Dopamine hydrochloride IV at 2 mcg/kg/minute to promote renal perfusion.

The pharmacy provides a pre-mixed bag of dopamine containing 400 mg in 250 mL dextrose 5% in water (D5W). An IV pump that provides a precision infusion rate to a tenth of a mL is available.

How many mL/hour should the IV pump be set to deliver? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

Explanation

Step 1: Convert the client’s weight from lbs to kg. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lbs. So, 198 lbs ÷

2.2 = 90 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number).

Step 2: Calculate the total mcg of Dopamine needed per minute. The prescription is for 2 mcg/kg/minute. So, 90 kg × 2 mcg/kg/minute = 180 mcg/minute.

Step 3: Convert the total mcg of Dopamine in the bag to mcg/mL. The bag contains 400 mg of Dopamine in 250 mL. 1 mg is equal to 1000 mcg. So, 400 mg × 1000 = 400,000 mcg. Therefore, the concentration is 400,000 mcg ÷ 250 mL = 1600 mcg/mL.

Step 4: Calculate the mL of Dopamine needed per minute. So, 180 mcg/minute ÷ 1600 mcg/mL

= 0.1125 mL/minute.

Step 5: Convert mL/minute to mL/hour. There are 60 minutes in an hour. So, 0.1125 mL/minute × 60 = 6.75 mL/hour. The IV pump should be set to deliver 6.8 mL/hour (rounded to the nearest tenth).


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