HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with chronic renal failure has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The correct priority action for the nurse is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Hyperkalemia requires prompt intervention to lower potassium levels and prevent complications. Administering a potassium supplement (
Choice
A) would worsen the condition. Administering calcium gluconate (
Choice
C) is a treatment option but is not the nurse's priority action. Restricting the client's potassium intake (
Choice
D) may be necessary but is not the immediate priority when facing a critical potassium level.
Question 2 of 5
At 42-weeks gestation, a client refuses induction and desires a natural delivery. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to discuss alternative ways to support her birth plan. It is crucial to respect the client's autonomy and desires while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Choice B is incorrect because while educating the client about the indications for induction is important, it is not the most immediate action to take in this scenario.
Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on comparing labor types rather than supporting the client's birth plan.
Choice D is incorrect as the nurse should first engage with the client directly before involving the healthcare provider.
Question 3 of 5
An adolescent client with meningococcal meningitis is receiving a continuous IV infusion of penicillin G. How many mL/hour should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 83. The pharmacy provided the infusion at 10 million units per liter, which requires a rate of 83 mL/hour.
To calculate this, multiply the dosage by the volume of the IV solution and divide by the concentration of the IV solution in million units: 10 million units per liter x 8.3 L = 83 mL/hour.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the calculation based on the given information.
Question 4 of 5
A client with hypoglycemia is unresponsive. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer glucagon intramuscularly. In an unresponsive hypoglycemic client, administering glucagon intramuscularly is the priority action as it helps raise blood glucose levels quickly. Intravenous dextrose may be challenging to administer in an unresponsive client. Checking the client's blood glucose level is important but not the priority when the client is unresponsive. Preparing to administer oral glucose is not ideal for an unresponsive client as they may not be able to swallow.
Question 5 of 5
A client with Type 2 diabetes is admitted with frequent hyperglycemic episodes and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) of 10%. What actions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In managing a client with Type 2 diabetes experiencing frequent hyperglycemic episodes and with a high A1C level, it is crucial to coordinate carbohydrate-controlled meals and subcutaneous injections. This approach helps regulate blood glucose levels effectively. Mixing glargine with aspart insulin (
Choice
A) is not a recommended practice as these insulins have different onset and peak times. Teaching foot care (
Choice
B) is important in diabetes management but is not the priority in this scenario. Reviewing site rotation for insulin injections (
Choice
D) is important to prevent lipodystrophy but is not the immediate action needed to address the client's hyperglycemia and high A1C level.