HESI RN
RN Medical Surgical Hesi Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells 3 days ago for a lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is now displaying signs of shortness of breath with occasional stridor and is reporting muscle cramping. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) is below the normal reference range and can cause muscle spasms, cramps, tingling, numbness, and stridor. This critical value should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider, as it can indicate a serious condition such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, or massive blood transfusion.
Question 2 of 5
A client is hospitalized with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation and is being treated with a corticosteroid. The client develops a rigid abdomen with rebound tenderness. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Obtaining vital sign measurements is the priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness, indicating peritonitis, a serious complication of IBD. Vital signs can reveal signs of infection, inflammation, shock, and organ failure, guiding appropriate interventions and treatments.
Question 3 of 5
A client with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) calls the clinic to report difficulty wearing the continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) mask because it is uncomfortable. The client asks the nurse for an alternative way to manage sleep apnea. Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Beginning a weight loss program can reduce OSA by decreasing fat deposits around the neck and chest, which compress the airway, improving breathing during sleep.
Question 4 of 5
A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia has a CD4+ T cell count of 200 cells/mm³ (20%). The client asks the nurse why they have these recurring massive infections. Which pathophysiological mechanism should the nurse describe in response to this client's question?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inadequate numbers of CD4+ T cells impair cellular immunity, making the client susceptible to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia due to HIV infection.
Question 5 of 5
A client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells 3 days ago for a lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is now displaying signs of shortness of breath with occasional stridor and is reporting muscle cramping. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) is below the normal reference range and can cause muscle spasms, cramps, tingling, numbness, and stridor. This critical value should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider, as it can indicate a serious condition such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, or massive blood transfusion.