HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse offers diet teaching to a female college student who was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia following her voluntary adoption of a lacto-vegetarian diet. What nutrients should the nurse suggest this client eat to best meet her nutritional needs while allowing her to adhere to a lacto-vegetarian diet?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Combine several legumes and grains such as beans and rice to form complete proteins. This is the best option because a lacto-vegetarian diet excludes meat but includes dairy products. Legumes and grains complement each other in terms of amino acid profiles, allowing the individual to obtain all essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis. This combination ensures the client gets adequate protein intake necessary for red blood cell production without consuming meat. A: Drinking whole milk instead of skim milk does not enhance amino acid production. Skim milk contains the same amino acids as whole milk. B: Taking vitamin K does not enhance red blood cell production. Iron is the key nutrient needed for red blood cell production. C: Increasing dark yellow vegetables such as carrots does not provide a significant amount of iron to fortify iron stores compared to legumes and grains.
Question 2 of 5
While assessing a client who is experiencing Cheyne-Stokes respirations, the nurse observes periods of apnea. What action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Measure the length of the apneic periods. This action is crucial in assessing the severity of Cheyne-Stokes respirations and guiding further interventions. By measuring the length of apneic periods, the nurse can determine the duration of respiratory pauses and their impact on oxygenation. This information helps in deciding the appropriate treatment, such as administering supplemental oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Elevating the head of the bed (choice A) can help with breathing but does not address the root cause. Auscultating breath sounds (choice B) is important but does not directly address the apneic periods. Suctioning the oropharynx (choice D) is not indicated unless there is an airway obstruction.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. Which outcome is the priority for this child?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. In acute glomerulonephritis, the kidneys are inflamed, affecting fluid balance. Monitoring urine output of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr is crucial to assess kidney function and prevent fluid overload or dehydration. This is the priority outcome as it directly reflects kidney function and overall fluid balance. A: Activity tolerance is important but not the priority in acute glomerulonephritis. B: Absence of skin breakdown is important for overall health but not directly related to the condition. C: Nutritional status is important, but fluid balance takes precedence in managing acute glomerulonephritis. In summary, maintaining fluid balance is crucial in managing acute glomerulonephritis as it directly reflects kidney function, while the other options are important but not the priority in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A postoperative client returns to the nursing unit following a ureter lithotomy via a flank incision. Which potential nursing problem has the highest priority when planning nursing care for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ineffective airway clearance. After a ureter lithotomy, the client may be at risk for respiratory complications due to anesthesia, pain, and immobility. Ineffective airway clearance can lead to hypoxia and respiratory distress, making it the highest priority. Altered nutrition, fluid volume excess, and activity intolerance are important but are secondary to the immediate threat of compromised airway and breathing in the postoperative period. Therefore, addressing airway clearance first is crucial to ensure optimal client outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
When the nurse enters the room to change the dressing of a male client with cancer, he asks, 'Have you ever been with someone when they died?' What is the nurse's best response to him?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy and encourages open communication. The nurse acknowledges the client's question and offers support by asking if they have any concerns. This response demonstrates active listening and shows the nurse is willing to address the client's emotional needs. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the client's question and focuses solely on the task at hand, lacking empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it provides a general statement about previous experiences without directly addressing the client's inquiry. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects the question and does not actively engage with the client's emotional concerns.