HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client¢â‚¬â„¢s teaching plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rotate insulin injection sites. This instruction is crucial to prevent lipohypertrophy, which can lead to inconsistent insulin absorption. By rotating injection sites, the client ensures proper insulin absorption and prevents complications. Checking blood glucose levels once a week (B) is not frequent enough for proper diabetes management. Avoiding all forms of sugar (A) is an outdated approach, as moderation is key. Monitoring urine ketone levels (D) is not as reliable as blood ketone testing for assessing diabetic ketoacidosis risk.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of seizures is being discharged with a prescription for phenytoin (Dilantin). Which instruction should the nurse provide this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Phenytoin interacts with alcohol, increasing the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Taking the medication with meals (choice A) may help reduce gastrointestinal upset but does not address the alcohol interaction. Limiting sodium intake (choice C) is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice D) is not necessary for all clients and does not address the alcohol interaction.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) is admitted with fluid volume overload. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shortness of breath. This assessment finding is crucial in a client with CHF and fluid volume overload as it indicates potential worsening of heart failure leading to pulmonary congestion. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of fluid accumulation in the lungs, requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress. A: Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours may indicate fluid retention but is not as urgent as shortness of breath. B: Presence of a cough can be a symptom of CHF but is not as specific or concerning as shortness of breath. C: Edema in the lower extremities is also a common finding in CHF but does not directly signify acute respiratory compromise as shortness of breath does.
Question 4 of 5
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client reports difficulty breathing. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check the client's oxygen saturation level. This is the first action the nurse should take to assess the effectiveness of the current oxygen therapy and determine the client's oxygenation status. A: Increasing the oxygen flow rate without assessing the client's oxygen saturation level may lead to potential oxygen toxicity. B: Instructing the client to breathe deeply and cough may not address the underlying issue of hypoxemia. D: Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position may help with breathing but does not address the immediate concern of the client's difficulty breathing. Checking the oxygen saturation level provides crucial information for appropriate interventions.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy by assessing the clotting time. With heparin being an anticoagulant, monitoring PTT helps ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation. A - Platelet count assesses risk of bleeding, not heparin effectiveness. B - Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. D - Hemoglobin level monitors for anemia, not heparin effectiveness.