HESI RN
HESI RN Medical Surgical Exam I Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with Addison's disease started taking hydrocortisone in a divided daily dose last week. It is most important for the nurse to monitor which serum laboratory value?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glucose levels are crucial to monitor in clients with Addison's disease on hydrocortisone therapy. Hydrocortisone can affect glucose metabolism, potentially leading to hyperglycemia. Monitoring glucose levels helps ensure that the client's blood sugar remains within a safe range and allows for timely intervention if necessary.
Question 2 of 5
A client who is experiencing a first gouty arthritis attack reports excruciating pain in the right great toe. The nurse inspects the inflamed joint and administers ibuprofen 800mg PO as prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Avoiding the consumption of wine, beer, and coffee is crucial for managing gout. Alcohol, particularly beer and wine, contains high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid production and exacerbate gout symptoms. Alcohol also promotes dehydration, which can lead to higher uric acid concentrations in the blood. Both of these factors can trigger gout attacks.
Question 3 of 5
During a routine eye examination, an older client reports decreased peripheral vision and is found to have elevated intraocular pressures. Ophthalmic drops are prescribed for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Which intervention(s) should the nurse include in this client's plan of care? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Teaching strategies for aseptic administration (
B) prevents infections, applying pressure over the inner eye corner (
D) enhances medication efficacy, and explaining lifelong use (E) ensures adherence. A reduced sodium diet (
A) is not directly related to POAG, and eye drops (
C) preserve vision, not improve it.
Question 4 of 5
A client with oral cancer is receiving radiotherapy (RT) prior to surgery. Which intervention should the nurse teach the client to implement in managing mucositis related to RT?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal saline mouth rinses as swish and spit after meals and bedtime is an effective intervention for managing mucositis. Rinsing with saline helps to keep the mouth clean, reduce bacterial load, and soothe inflamed tissues.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse obtains a fingerstick blood glucose level using a bedside glucose meter from a client with a prescribed sliding scale insulin protocol. The meter indicates 56 mg/dL (3.12 mmol/L). At this time, which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Giving the client six ounces of non-diet carbonated soda is the correct first intervention. The client's blood glucose level is significantly below the normal range (hypoglycemia). Administering a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as non-diet soda, helps to quickly increase the blood glucose level to a safer range.