HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a preterm newborn with nasal flaring, grunting, and sternal retractions. After administering surfactant, which assessment is most important for the nurse to monitor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Surfactant therapy is used to improve lung function and gas exchange in premature infants with respiratory distress. Monitoring arterial blood gases is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure adequate oxygenation.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse has received funding to design a health promotion project for African American women who are at risk for developing breast cancer. Which resource is most important in designing this program?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Involving community leaders helps ensure that the program is culturally relevant and addresses the needs of the target population. Community involvement also fosters trust and engagement in the health promotion project.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's oxygenation is improving?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pulse oximetry reading of 94% indicates adequate oxygenation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is the most objective way to assess the effectiveness of oxygen therapy.
Question 4 of 9
A 5-week-old infant who developed projectile vomiting over the last two weeks is diagnosed with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intravenous fluids are essential for rehydrating an infant who is likely suffering from dehydration due to projectile vomiting. This condition, commonly related to pyloric stenosis, causes rapid fluid loss. Oral rehydration methods might not be sufficient or appropriate for such a young infant, especially if vomiting persists. IV therapy ensures controlled and adequate fluid replacement to stabilize the child.
Question 5 of 9
A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed warfarin. What lab value should the nurse review before administering the medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: INR should be reviewed before administering warfarin to ensure the client is within the therapeutic range.
Question 6 of 9
An older client is admitted to the intensive care unit unconscious after several days of vomiting and diarrhea. The nurse inserts a urinary catheter and observes dark amber urine output. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A fluid bolus is the first step in stabilizing a client with hypovolemic symptoms.
Question 7 of 9
A female client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is sedated and on a ventilator with 50% FIO2. What assessment finding warrants immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diminished breath sounds in a sedated client with ARDS and on a ventilator indicate collapsed alveoli, which requires immediate intervention, such as chest tube insertion, to prevent further lung damage.
Question 8 of 9
A client with hyperparathyroidism is preparing for surgery. Which preoperative lab finding is most important to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated calcium levels can cause complications during surgery and should be reported.
Question 9 of 9
A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What should the nurse teach the client about lithium toxicity?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium toxicity can occur if levels become too high, especially if the client is dehydrated. Clients should be advised to avoid NSAIDs and maintain adequate hydration to prevent toxicity.