HESI RN
HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which instruction should the nurse provide to an elderly client who is taking an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Change the position slowly. This instruction is important because both ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting upon sudden position changes. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent falls and complications. A: Wearing long-sleeved clothing when outdoors is unrelated to the medications mentioned. B: Reporting the onset of a sore throat is important but not specific to the medications in question. C: Eating plenty of potassium-rich foods is important for those taking ACE inhibitors but not necessarily for those on calcium channel blockers.
Question 2 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. Legumes and grains such as beans and rice should be combined to form complete proteins. Legumes are rich in essential amino acids that are lacking in grains, and vice versa. By combining them, the client can ensure she is getting all essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis. This is crucial for red blood cell production and overall health. A: Drinking whole milk instead of skim milk will not enhance amino acid production. Skim milk is a good source of protein, but it is not essential for enhancing amino acid production. B: Taking vitamin K will not directly enhance the production of red blood cells. Iron is the key nutrient needed for red blood cell production in cases of iron-deficiency anemia. C: Dark yellow vegetables such as carrots are not the best source of iron. While they are nutritious, they do not provide the heme iron needed to address iron-deficiency anemia effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A client receiving amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, develops 1+ pitting edema around the ankles. It is most important for the nurse to obtain what additional client data?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Breath sounds. Pitting edema can be a sign of heart failure, a potential side effect of amlodipine. Assessing breath sounds can help determine if the edema is due to heart failure. Bladder distention (A) is not directly related to edema caused by amlodipine. Serum albumin level (B) is important for assessing protein status but not the immediate concern in this scenario. Abdominal girth (C) is more relevant for assessing liver function or ascites, not the primary concern with pitting edema.
Question 4 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 action is to measure the length of the apneic periods. By measuring the length, the nurse can gather crucial information about the severity and frequency of the Cheyne-Stokes respirations. This data can help in determining the appropriate interventions and monitoring the client's condition. Elevating the head of the bed may help with breathing, but it does not directly address the apneic periods. Auscultating breath sounds and suctioning the oropharynx are not the priority actions in this situation.
Question 5 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 because maintaining fluid balance is crucial in acute glomerulonephritis to prevent complications like fluid overload or dehydration. A urine output of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr indicates proper kidney function. A: Activity tolerance is important but not the top priority. B: Absence of skin breakdown is important but not directly related to the condition. C: Nutritional status is vital but not as urgent as fluid balance in this case.