HESI RN
HESI Exit Exam RN Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client presents to the clinic with a large abscess on the right thigh. The healthcare provider incises and drains the abscess. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client upon discharge?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After incision and drainage of an abscess, it is crucial to perform daily wound care and dressing changes to prevent infection and promote healing. Avoiding showering until the wound is completely closed (choice A) may not be practical or necessary. Applying heat to the wound (choice C) can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. While taking the prescribed antibiotic (choice D) is important, wound care and dressing changes are more directly related to promoting healing and preventing complications.
Question 2 of 5
A client with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention is to administer a potassium-binding medication (Option C). Chronic kidney disease can lead to hyperkalemia, which is characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium-binding medications work by binding excess potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption and aiding in its elimination from the body. Option A is incorrect because encouraging the client to eat foods rich in potassium would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Option B, administering a potassium-sparing diuretic, is inappropriate because these drugs can actually increase potassium levels. Option D, holding all medications containing potassium, may be necessary but does not directly address the elevated potassium level as effectively as administering a potassium-binding medication. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to understand the management of electrolyte imbalances in clients with chronic kidney disease. This scenario highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate intervention to address the specific electrolyte abnormality present, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and knowledge of pharmacological interventions in the context of renal dysfunction.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a client with advanced liver disease who is experiencing ascites. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help manage the client's fluid volume?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering a diuretic as prescribed is the most appropriate intervention to manage fluid volume in a client with ascites due to advanced liver disease. Diuretics help reduce fluid accumulation in the body, including the abdominal cavity where ascites occurs. Increasing sodium intake would worsen fluid retention, and encouraging more fluid intake can exacerbate ascites. Placing the client in a supine position does not directly address the fluid volume issue associated with ascites.
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The client is prescribed intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decrease in respiratory rate indicates that the client's breathing is becoming more stable, which suggests an improvement in their condition. Respiratory rate is a critical indicator of respiratory status and oxygenation. Increased white blood cell count (choice A) suggests ongoing infection, crackles on lung auscultation (choice B) indicate fluid in the lungs, and productive cough with green sputum (choice C) may indicate persistent infection or airway inflammation, which do not necessarily reflect improvement in pneumonia.
Question 5 of 5
A client with chronic liver disease is prescribed lactulose. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to lower serum ammonia levels in clients with chronic liver disease, particularly in cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to the action or evaluation of lactulose in chronic liver disease.