HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 9-year-old received a short arm cast for a right radius. To relieve itching under the child's cast, which instructions should the nurse provide to the parents?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A - Blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast. This method helps relieve itching without causing harm or compromising the cast. It allows for ventilation and cooling without introducing foreign objects that may cause skin irritation or damage. The other choices are incorrect because twisting the cast, shaking powder into it, or pushing a pencil under the cast can all potentially damage the cast or harm the child's skin. It is important to follow appropriate and safe methods to address itching while the cast is in place.
Question 2 of 5
When administering an intramuscular injection containing 3 ml of a painful medication, which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Select a large, deep muscle mass. This is important because using a large, deep muscle mass helps distribute the medication effectively and reduces the risk of tissue irritation and nerve damage. It also allows for better absorption of the medication. Option A is incorrect because instilling the medication quickly can cause pain and tissue damage. Option B is incorrect as inserting the needle slowly does not necessarily impact the effectiveness of the injection. Option D is incorrect as using a short, small gauge needle may not reach the desired muscle depth for optimal medication absorption. Therefore, selecting a large, deep muscle mass is the best intervention for administering an intramuscular injection containing a painful medication.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is making assignments for a new graduate from a practical nursing program who is orienting to the unit. Because the unit is particularly busy this day, there will be little time to provide supervision of this new employee. Which client is the best for the nurse to assign to this newly graduated practical nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient whose discharge has been delayed due to a postoperative infection can benefit from the skills of a newly graduated practical nurse without requiring constant supervision. This patient likely needs routine wound care, medication administration, and monitoring, tasks that align with the competencies of a practical nurse. Assigning this patient allows the new nurse to practice skills independently while still providing valuable care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve patients with complex needs that require a higher level of expertise and supervision. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes on insulin, head injury requiring frequent assessments, and IV heparin administration need closer monitoring and specialized care that may exceed the scope of practice for a new graduate without adequate supervision. Assigning these patients to the new nurse could compromise patient safety and quality of care.
Question 4 of 5
Oxygen at liters/min per nasal cannula PRN difficult breathing is prescribed for a client with pneumonia. Which nursing intervention is effective in preventing oxygen toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Oxygen toxicity can occur with prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen. 2. Administering high levels of oxygen for extended periods increases the risk of oxygen toxicity. 3. Therefore, avoiding the administration of high levels of oxygen for extended periods is effective in preventing oxygen toxicity. Summary: - Choice A is correct because it addresses the root cause of oxygen toxicity by avoiding prolonged exposure to high levels of oxygen. - Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the prevention of oxygen toxicity and may even pose risks to the client's respiratory status.
Question 5 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.