ATI RN
hesi health assessment test bank 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
For which condition might blood be drawn to check uric acid levels?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: gout. Uric acid levels are typically checked for gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This condition directly relates to uric acid levels in the blood. Asthma (choice A), diverticulitis (choice C), and meningitis (choice D) do not typically require checking uric acid levels. Asthma is a respiratory condition, diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition, and meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Question 2 of 9
What is the first priority when caring for a client with suspected hypoglycemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. When caring for a client with suspected hypoglycemia, the first priority is to raise their blood sugar levels quickly to prevent potential complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Administering glucose helps to rapidly increase blood sugar levels and alleviate symptoms. The other choices (B: Administer insulin, C: Place the client in a supine position, D: Administer IV fluids) are incorrect because administering insulin can further lower blood sugar levels, placing the client in a supine position may not address the immediate issue of low blood sugar, and administering IV fluids does not directly address the hypoglycemia.
Question 3 of 9
Which technique is most effective for assessing the patient's abdominal organ size?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Palpation. Palpation is the most effective technique for assessing the patient's abdominal organ size as it allows the healthcare provider to feel and evaluate the size, texture, and consistency of the abdominal organs through touch. This hands-on approach provides valuable information about any abnormalities or tenderness in the organs. Inspection (choice A) involves looking at the abdomen for any visible signs but does not provide information on organ size. Percussion (choice C) involves tapping on the abdomen to assess the density of underlying structures, not specifically organ size. Auscultation (choice D) involves listening to sounds within the abdomen and does not directly assess organ size. Palpation is the preferred method for accurately assessing abdominal organ size due to its tactile nature.
Question 4 of 9
What is important when making an occupied bed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a bath blanket for warmth and privacy. This is important when making an occupied bed to ensure the comfort and dignity of the patient. The bath blanket provides warmth and privacy during the bed-making process, maintaining the patient's comfort and respecting their privacy. Keeping the bed in a low position (choice A) is important for safety but not directly related to the patient's comfort during bed-making. Constantly raising side rails (choice C) is unnecessary and may cause discomfort to the patient. Moving back and forth between sides (choice D) is not essential for making an occupied bed and may disrupt the process.
Question 5 of 9
A 45-year-old man arrives at the clinic and tells the nurse that he has been experiencing severe chest pain. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that his pain radiates to his left arm. The nurse's priority action would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess vital signs and oxygen saturation levels. This is the priority action because the patient's symptoms suggest a possible cardiac event. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation levels can provide crucial information on the patient's condition and help determine the urgency of the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) should not be done before assessing the patient's vital signs. Having the patient walk around (choice C) could worsen the situation if it is indeed a cardiac event. Ordering an EKG (choice D) is important but should come after assessing vital signs to guide further evaluation and treatment.
Question 6 of 9
A 17-year-old single mother is describing how difficult it is to raise a 2-year-old by herself. During the course of the interview, she states, "I can't believe my boyfriend left me to do this by myself! What a terrible thing to do to me!" Which of the following responses by the nurse uses empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects empathy by acknowledging the mother's feelings without judgment or personal bias. The nurse shows understanding and compassion by recognizing the difficulty of the situation. Incorrect answer A lacks empathy as it simply restates the mother's feeling without demonstrating understanding. Answer B also lacks empathy as it focuses on the boyfriend's actions rather than the mother's feelings. Answer D shows some empathy by acknowledging the difficulty but fails to address the mother's emotional state directly. In summary, answer C is correct because it shows empathy by acknowledging the mother's emotions and validating her experience without judgment or redirection.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following factors should a nurse consider when assessing a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient's age and mobility. Age and mobility are key factors in pressure ulcer development as elderly and immobile patients are at higher risk due to decreased circulation and pressure on skin. Family medical history (B) is not directly linked to pressure ulcers. Frequency of hospital visits (C) is not a determining factor, and patient's education level (D) does not directly impact pressure ulcer risk. In summary, assessing age and mobility helps identify high-risk patients for developing pressure ulcers.
Question 8 of 9
What is the most effective intervention for a client experiencing a panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because lorazepam is a fast-acting medication that can help reduce the intensity of a panic attack quickly. It works by calming the central nervous system and reducing anxiety symptoms. Encouraging slow, deep breathing (choice A) can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as medication in stopping a severe panic attack. Lying down (choice C) can provide comfort but does not address the underlying physiological response. Breathing into a paper bag (choice D) can actually be harmful as it may lead to hyperventilation.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about managing their condition. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I can stop taking my medication if I feel fine." This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the importance of medication adherence in managing heart failure. Here's the rationale: 1. Patients with heart failure often require lifelong medication to control symptoms and prevent complications. 2. Stopping medication abruptly can lead to worsening of heart failure symptoms and potential health risks. 3. Monitoring for symptoms is essential, but it does not replace the need for consistent medication use. Other choices are incorrect because: A is correct as daily medication adherence is crucial. B is correct as reducing sodium intake helps manage fluid retention in heart failure. D is correct as daily weight monitoring helps detect fluid retention early.