HESI Leadership

HESI Leadership

Total Questions : 49

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Question 1: View

Several nurses who work on a postoperative surgical unit have reported to the charge nurse their concerns about a particular surgeon's treatment of clients during invasive procedures.

Adult clients are often in tears after this particular physician performs central IV line insertions or other invasive procedures. After the charge nurse confronts the healthcare provider who dismisses the concerns, the charge nurse reports the surgeon's behavior to the nurse manager who listens but does nothing about the situation.

What action is most important for the charge nurse to take?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Confronting the nurse manager as a group may not be effective or appropriate, as it may create more conflict and resentment. The charge nurse should follow the chain of command and escalate the issue to a higher authority if the nurse manager fails to act.

Choice B reason: Attending procedures performed by the surgeon and demanding halting of the procedure if the client becomes distressed may be seen as insubordination and interference by the surgeon, who may have legal authority to perform the procedure. It may also jeopardize the client's safety and outcome.

Choice C reason: Documenting client reactions to invasive procedures performed by the physician in their medical record is important, but not sufficient. It does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the surgeon's lack of empathy and respect for clients' pain and dignity.

Choice D reason: Reporting the physician's lack of concern for clients' pain during invasive procedures to the Director of Nursing is the most important action for the charge nurse to take, as it may lead to an investigation and corrective measures. The Director of Nursing has more power and responsibility than the nurse manager to deal with such issues and protect clients' rights and welfare.


Question 2: View

The nurse receives a change-of-shift report from the prior nurse assigned to a group of clients on a post-surgical unit. Which client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Explanation

Choice A reason: This client may have an infection or sepsis, which are life-threatening complications of surgery. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and notify the physician immediately.

Choice B reason: This client has a chest tube to drain the pleural fluid and re-expand the lung. The amount of drainage is within normal limits and does not indicate an emergency. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, and chest tube function.

Choice C reason: This client has a gunshot wound that may have caused tissue damage and bleeding. The dressing with 2 cm-sized dark red drainage may indicate fresh bleeding, but it is not excessive. The nurse should check the dressing for signs of infection, change it as ordered, and report any changes to the physician.

Choice D reason: This client has a Jackson-Pratt drain to collect the fluid from the surgical site after a mastectomy. The amount of serosanguineous fluid is expected and does not indicate a problem. The nurse should empty and measure the drain output, record it, and report any abnormalities to the physician.


Question 3: View

Four clients are scheduled to receive IV infusions, but there are only three intravenous (IV) pumps available. Which prescribed infusion can most safely be administered without an IV infusion pump?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be given by gravity infusion without an IV pump, as long as the nurse monitors the flow rate and adjusts the roller clamp as needed. The dose and duration of ceftriaxone are usually fixed and not affected by minor fluctuations in the infusion rate.

Choice B reason: Heparin is an anticoagulant that requires a precise and constant infusion rate to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. An IV pump is essential to deliver heparin safely and accurately.

Choice C reason: Magnesium is an electrolyte that can cause serious adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias,
respiratory depression, and muscle weakness if infused too rapidly or too slowly. An IV pump is necessary to control the infusion rate and prevent magnesium toxicity or deficiency.

Choice D reason: Regular insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and requires careful titration based on frequent blood glucose monitoring. An IV pump is required to deliver insulin at a consistent and adjustable rate to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.



Question 4: View

A newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) expresses fear to the charge nurse about collecting a sputum specimen from a client who is HIV positive. Which action should the charge nurse take first?

Explanation

Choice A reason: Demonstrating the proper use of personal protective equipment is important, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first assess the UAP's level of understanding and address any misconceptions or fears about HIV transmission.

Choice B reason: Offering to assist the UAP with the collection of the specimen may be helpful, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first educate the UAP about HIV transmission and infection control measures, and then evaluate the UAP's competence and confidence in performing the task.

Choice C reason: Providing the UAP with the infection control policy is relevant, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first explain the rationale and principles of infection control to the UAP, and then refer to the policy as a guideline and resource.

Choice D reason: Determining the UAP's knowledge about HIV transmission is the first and most appropriate action for the charge nurse to take, as it will help identify any gaps or misinformation that may cause fear or anxiety in the UAP. The charge nurse should then provide accurate and evidence-based information about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment, and answer any questions or concerns that the UAP may have.


Question 5: View

A client with tachycardia and hypotension presents to the emergency department (ED) reporting severe vomiting and diarrhea for three days. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Explanation

Choice A reason: This client has signs of dehydration and fluid volume deficit, which can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's organs are not receiving enough blood flow. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, skin color, and level of consciousness, and report any changes to the physician.

Choice B reason: Initiating enteric precaution procedures is important to prevent the spread of infection, as vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by a contagious pathogen. However, this is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it does not address the client's immediate risk of shock.

Choice C reason: Reducing light, noise and temperature may help the client feel more comfortable and reduce nausea, but it is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it does not address the client's fluid volume deficit and potential shock.

Choice D reason: Encouraging electrolyte supplements may help replenish the electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea, but it is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it may not be enough to restore the fluid balance and prevent shock. The client may need intravenous fluids and medications to correct the dehydration and hypotension.


Question 6: View

The nurse manager overhears an older female nurse complaining to a co-worker about the time being used to attend an in-service session for bioterrorism preparedness. How should the nurse manager respond?

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Choosing to send another nurse who is more receptive is not a good option, as it may create

resentment and conflict among the staff. The older nurse may feel discriminated against or excluded, and the other nurse may feel burdened or pressured. The nurse manager should try to engage and motivate the older nurse to attend the in-service session, as it is important for her professional development and patient safety.

Choice B Reason: Asking the nurse why she thinks there is no need for an in-service program about these emergencies may sound confrontational or accusatory and may put the nurse on the defensive. The nurse manager should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the nurse's attitude or beliefs, and instead try to understand her perspective and address any barriers or misconceptions.

Choice C Reason: Informing the older nurse that inservice is not optional and her scheduled attendance is mandatory may be true, but it may also sound authoritarian or coercive, and may undermine the nurse's autonomy or dignity. The nurse-manager should avoid using threats or ultimatums, and instead try to explain the rationale and benefits of the inservice session, and solicit the nurse's input or feedback.

Choice D Reason: Encouraging the nurse to share her concerns and discuss ways to prepare for such emergencies is the best option, as it shows respect and empathy for the nurse, and fosters a collaborative and supportive

relationship. The nurse-manager should use active listening and open-ended questions, and provide relevant information and resources to help the nurse overcome her fears or doubts, and enhance her confidence and competence.


Question 7: View

After reviewing the morning laboratory findings for four clients, which client should the nurse follow up with first? Reference Range:

International Normalized Ratio [0.8 to 1.1]

Blood Glucose 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) [less than 100 pg/mL (less than 100 ng/L)]

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This client has a very high BNP level, which indicates severe heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should follow up with this client first, as they may need urgent interventions such as oxygen therapy, diuretics, and vasodilators.

Choice B Reason: This client has an INR within the therapeutic range for warfarin therapy, which is usually between 2 and 3. The nurse should monitor this client for signs of bleeding or clotting, but they do not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C Reason: This client has a mildly elevated glucose level, which may be caused by the corticosteroids that

increase blood sugar. The nurse should check the client's blood glucose regularly and administer insulin as ordered, but they do not require immediate follow-up.

Choice D Reason: This client has a normal potassium level, which is within the reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. The nurse should ensure that the client is ready for dialysis and avoid foods high in potassium, but they do not require immediate follow-up.


Question 8: View

To help prevent by a dissatisfied client, which objective is most important to include in the orientation classes for staff nurses? New nursing staff members will

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Demonstrating how to complete an adverse occurrence or variance report is important, but not the most important objective. This report is a tool for quality improvement and risk management, but it does not prevent litigation by itself. The nurse should also communicate effectively with the client and/or their family, and document the incident and the actions taken.

Choice B Reason: Discussing how to handle complaints from clients and/or their families is the most important objective, as it can help prevent or resolve conflicts, and avoid escalation to legal action. The nurse should listen empathetically, acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, apologize if appropriate, explain the situation and the plan of care, and involve the supervisor or other resources if needed.

Choice C Reason: Describing how to obtain legal services if needed is relevant, but not the most important objective.

This objective implies that litigation is inevitable or expected, which may create a negative or defensive attitude in the staff nurses. The nurse should focus on preventing litigation by providing safe and quality care and building trust and rapport with the clients and/or their families.

Choice D Reason: Maintaining personal malpractice insurance is advisable, but not the most important objective. This objective may protect the nurse's personal assets in case of a lawsuit, but it does not prevent litigation from occurring. The nurse should follow the standards of practice and the policies and procedures of the organization, and document accurately and thoroughly.


Question 9: View

The home health aide caring for a home bound hospice client calls to inform the nurse that the client has reported feeling constipated. Which task should the nurse instruct the home health aide to perform?

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.

Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.

Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.

Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.


Question 10: View

A group of nurse managers is asked to engage in a needs assessment for a piece of equipment that will be expensed to the organization's budget. Which question is most important to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment?

Explanation

Choice A Reason: The ability to update the equipment each year may be desirable, but not the most important question to consider. Updating the equipment may incur additional costs and may not be necessary or feasible depending on the type and function of the equipment.

Choice B Reason: The number of departments that can use the equipment is the most important question to

consider, as it reflects the potential impact and benefit of the equipment for the organization. The more departments that can use the equipment, the more efficient and cost-effective it will be.

Choice C Reason: The cost of equipment is an important question to consider, but not the most important one. The cost of equipment should be compared with the expected benefits and outcomes of using the equipment, not just in terms of monetary value, but also in terms of quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Choice D Reason: The need for annual repair is an important question to consider, but not the most important one. The need for annual repair may indicate the reliability and durability of the equipment, but it may also depend on the frequency and intensity of use, and the availability and accessibility of maintenance services.


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