HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 2-year-old boy with short bowel syndrome has progressed to receiving enteral feedings only. Today his stools are occurring more frequently and have a more liquid consistency. His temperature is 102.2°F and he has vomited twice in the past four hours. Which assessment finding indicates that the child is becoming dehydrated?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevated urine specific gravity. In a dehydrated child, the kidneys conserve water, leading to concentrated urine with an elevated specific gravity. This indicates the body's attempt to retain fluid. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Occult blood in the stool indicates a possible gastrointestinal bleed, not dehydration. B: Abdominal distention can be caused by various factors, including gas or fecal impaction, but is not a specific sign of dehydration. D: Hyperactive bowel sounds can be present in various gastrointestinal conditions but are not specific to dehydration.
Question 2 of 5
In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client's B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled. Furosemide is a diuretic commonly used in heart failure to reduce fluid overload and relieve symptoms. An elevated BNP level indicates worsening heart failure, so administering furosemide can help reduce fluid retention and improve heart function. Holding the dose (choice D) can worsen the client's condition. Checking oxygen saturation (choice A) is not directly related to furosemide administration. Administering nitroglycerin (choice B) is not indicated for elevated BNP levels.
Question 3 of 5
A client with an electrical burn on the forearm asks the nurse why there is no feeling of pain from the burn. During the dressing change, the nurse determines that the burn is dry, waxy, and white. What information should the nurse provide this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Full-thickness burns destroy the nerves, leading to a lack of pain sensation. The dry, waxy appearance and white color of the burn also indicate deeper tissue involvement. Choice A is incorrect because minor burns typically involve only the superficial layers of the skin and would not result in nerve destruction. Choice B is incorrect as nerve compression does not explain the lack of pain in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because second-degree burns, which involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, are usually painful due to intact nerve endings.
Question 4 of 5
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted for antibiotic treatment of a leg ulcer. Which signs and symptoms, indicative of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), should the nurse report to the healthcare provider? (Select one that doesn't apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Presence of uremic frost. In hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), there is severe hyperglycemia leading to osmotic diuresis, dehydration, and hyperosmolality. Uremic frost is not a symptom of HHNS but is associated with severe chronic kidney disease. Increased heart rate, visual disturbances, and decreased mentation are common signs of HHNS due to the effects of hyperglycemia on the body's organs and nervous system.
Question 5 of 5
The client diagnosed with a right fractured femur has skeletal traction applied to the right femur. Which interventions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Maintaining skeletal pin sites and assessing for signs of infection is crucial to prevent complications like osteomyelitis. Regular assessment helps identify infection early. Passive range of motion (A) can dislodge the traction, removing weights (B) may lead to further complications, and turning frequently (C) can disrupt the traction alignment.