HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Quizlet Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A total calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and indicates possible hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroid surgery. This condition can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. Blood glucose within normal range, sodium, and potassium levels are not indicative of an immediate postoperative complication like hypocalcemia in this case.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of asthma reports using an albuterol inhaler more frequently than prescribed. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased use of a rescue inhaler like albuterol may indicate worsening asthma symptoms. The nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status to determine the severity of the issue and the next steps in care. Option A is not the first action because assessing the client's condition should precede notifying the healthcare provider. Option B, scheduling a pulmonary function test, is not the priority as immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is crucial. Instructing the client to decrease inhaler use should come after assessing the client's condition to ensure the appropriate intervention.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with chronic kidney disease. The client's serum calcium level is 7.5 mg/dL. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL is indicative of hypocalcemia, a common complication in clients with chronic kidney disease due to impaired calcium absorption and metabolism. Hypercalcemia (Choice A) is the opposite of the condition presented in the question and is characterized by elevated serum calcium levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice B) is an increased potassium level, not related to the client's serum calcium level. Hyponatremia (Choice C) is a decreased sodium level and is also not related to the client's serum calcium level.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In SIADH, there is excessive ADH secretion leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. The most crucial intervention is to restrict fluid intake to prevent further fluid overload and worsening of hyponatremia. Encouraging oral hydration (choice A) would exacerbate the condition by adding more fluids. Monitoring for signs of dehydration (choice B) is not appropriate as the client is at risk of fluid overload. Administering IV fluids (choice D) would worsen the hyponatremia and should be avoided.
Question 5 of 5
A client with severe dehydration is admitted to the hospital. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator that the client's hydration status is improving. This reflects adequate fluid replacement and improved kidney function. Choice A is subjective and may not always indicate improved hydration. Choice C, while a positive sign, may be influenced by other factors such as medications or pain. Choice D, skin turgor returning to normal, is a delayed indicator of hydration status and may take time to improve even after hydration is initiated.