HESI RN
RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with an acute myocardial infarction. Which symptom requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe chest pain is the hallmark symptom of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Chest pain in this context is often described as crushing, pressure, tightness, or heaviness. It can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting may also occur in acute myocardial infarction, but chest pain is the most critical sign requiring prompt action as it signifies inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. Shortness of breath may indicate heart failure, while nausea and vomiting can be associated with the sympathetic response to myocardial infarction. Dizziness could result from decreased cardiac output but is not as specific to myocardial infarction as severe chest pain.
Question 2 of 5
In assessing a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep, and the client becomes lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) and lethargy are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DK
A), which occurs in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Checking the blood glucose is the priority to confirm hyperglycemia and guide immediate treatment. Pulse oximetry is not the priority in this situation as the issue is related to altered glucose levels, not oxygenation. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes may be important later in the management of DKA but are not the initial priority compared to confirming and addressing the hyperglycemia.
Question 3 of 5
A client with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Avoiding processed foods and canned soups is crucial for a client with hypertension on a low-sodium diet because these foods are typically high in sodium content. Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally healthy choices but may still contain some natural sodium. While limiting sodium intake to 2 grams per day is important, specifically avoiding processed foods and canned soups is more critical in this situation. Drinking water is essential for overall health but is not the most important instruction when focusing on reducing sodium intake.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a seated client experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure. Which actions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the nurse should loosen restrictive clothing to prevent injury and ease the client to the floor to ensure safety. Placing any object, such as a tongue depressor, in the client's mouth is contraindicated as it may cause harm. Restraint should not be used as it can lead to injury. Beginning CPR is not indicated during a seizure unless the client experiences cardiac arrest, which is a rare complication of seizures.
Question 5 of 5
A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. What should the nurse emphasize in the client's teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid alcohol consumption while taking metformin. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin.
Choice A is incorrect because metformin is usually recommended to be taken with meals to reduce GI upset.
Choice B is important but not the priority; muscle pain is more commonly associated with other diabetes medications.
Choice D is incorrect because metformin typically does not cause hypoglycemia but rather helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.