HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is making assignments for a new graduate from a practical nursing program who is orienting to the unit. Because the unit is particularly busy this day, there will be little time to provide supervision of this new employee. Which client is the best for the nurse to assign to this newly graduated practical nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient whose discharge has been delayed due to a postoperative infection can benefit from the skills of a newly graduated practical nurse without requiring constant supervision. This patient likely needs routine wound care, medication administration, and monitoring, tasks that align with the competencies of a practical nurse. Assigning this patient allows the new nurse to practice skills independently while still providing valuable care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve patients with complex needs that require a higher level of expertise and supervision. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes on insulin, head injury requiring frequent assessments, and IV heparin administration need closer monitoring and specialized care that may exceed the scope of practice for a new graduate without adequate supervision. Assigning these patients to the new nurse could compromise patient safety and quality of care.
Question 2 of 5
A 2-year-old boy with short bowel syndrome has progressed to receiving enteral feedings only. Today his stools are occurring more frequently and have a more liquid consistency. His temperature is 102.2°F and he has vomited twice in the past four hours. Which assessment finding indicates that the child is becoming dehydrated?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevated urine specific gravity. In a dehydrated child, the kidneys conserve water, leading to concentrated urine with an elevated specific gravity. This indicates the body's attempt to retain fluid. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Occult blood in the stool indicates a possible gastrointestinal bleed, not dehydration. B: Abdominal distention can be caused by various factors, including gas or fecal impaction, but is not a specific sign of dehydration. D: Hyperactive bowel sounds can be present in various gastrointestinal conditions but are not specific to dehydration.
Question 3 of 5
A child with Leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis, altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, vomiting is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The child is experiencing altered nutrition due to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting from chemotherapy. Step 2: Allowing the child to eat foods desired and tolerated promotes intake and prevents further nutritional deficits. Step 3: Restricting foods from fast food restaurants may limit the child's choices and lead to decreased intake. Step 4: Recommending eating the same foods as siblings may not consider the child's specific needs and preferences. Step 5: Encouraging large portions at every meal may overwhelm the child and worsen symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client's B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled. Furosemide is a diuretic commonly used in heart failure to reduce fluid overload and relieve symptoms. An elevated BNP level indicates worsening heart failure, so administering furosemide can help reduce fluid retention and improve heart function. Holding the dose (choice D) can worsen the client's condition. Checking oxygen saturation (choice A) is not directly related to furosemide administration. Administering nitroglycerin (choice B) is not indicated for elevated BNP levels.
Question 5 of 5
A client with an electrical burn on the forearm asks the nurse why there is no feeling of pain from the burn. During the dressing change, the nurse determines that the burn is dry, waxy, and white. What information should the nurse provide this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Full-thickness burns destroy the nerves, leading to a lack of pain sensation. The dry, waxy appearance and white color of the burn also indicate deeper tissue involvement. Choice A is incorrect because minor burns typically involve only the superficial layers of the skin and would not result in nerve destruction. Choice B is incorrect as nerve compression does not explain the lack of pain in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because second-degree burns, which involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, are usually painful due to intact nerve endings.