HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication dosage is too high?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased heart rate and palpitations may indicate that the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Question 2 of 9
When teaching a group of mothers of young children about emergency care for poisoning, which of the following statements should be included?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Poison Control Center should be contacted before any interventions to ensure appropriate care.
Question 3 of 9
A client with a colostomy is being discharged. What teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Emptying the ostomy pouch when it's one-third full prevents leakage and skin irritation.
Question 4 of 9
A young adult visits the clinic reporting symptoms associated with gastritis. Which information in the client's history is most important for the nurse to address in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for gastritis and should be prioritized in the teaching plan. Although NSAIDs and spicy foods can contribute to gastritis, alcohol is the most significant factor requiring immediate lifestyle changes.
Question 5 of 9
While palpating the gallbladder of a mildly obese client, the nurse expects what finding if the gallbladder is inflamed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If the gallbladder is inflamed, the nurse may find tenderness and guarding, a typical sign of acute cholecystitis.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis who is reporting severe abdominal pain. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pain relief is a priority in clients with acute pancreatitis. Administering prescribed pain medication is the first intervention to improve comfort and reduce pain, which can help stabilize the client's condition.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is providing care for a client with schizophrenia who receives haloperidol decanoate 75 mg IM every 4 weeks. The client begins developing a puckering and smacking of the lips and facial grimacing. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: These symptoms are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use. The nurse should assess the severity of these movements using the AIMS scale and report to the healthcare provider for further management.
Question 8 of 9
An older client with SIRS has a temperature of 101.8°F, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute. Which additional finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL indicates possible acute kidney injury, which can occur during severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Reporting this value promptly allows for interventions to prevent further renal damage.
Question 9 of 9
A client with a recent myocardial infarction is prescribed a beta-blocker. What side effect should the nurse monitor for?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta-blockers can cause hypotension, so it's important to monitor the client's blood pressure closely.