Hesi Review
A 43-year-old homeless, malnourished female client with a history of alcoholism is transferred to the ICU. She is placed on telemetry, and the rhythm strip shown is obtained. The nurse palpates a heart rate of 160 beats/min, and the client's blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg. Based on these findings, which IV medication should the nurse administer? A. Amiodarone (Cordarone) B. Magnesium sulfate C. Lidocaine (Xylocaine) D. Procainamide (Pronestyl)
B. Because the client has chronic alcoholism, she is likely to have hypomagnesemia. Option B is the recommended drug for torsades de pointes, which is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) usually associated with a prolonged QT interval that occurs with hypomagnesemia. Options A and D increase the QT interval, which can cause the torsades to worsen. Option C is the antiarrhythmic of choice in most cases of drug-induced monomorphic VT, not torsades.
The nurse is caring for a client with a fractured right elbow. Which assessment finding has the highest priority and requires immediate intervention? A. Ecchymosis over the right elbow area B. Deep unrelenting pain in the right arm C. An edematous right elbow D. The presence of crepitus in the right elbow
B. Compartment syndrome is a condition involving increased pressure and constriction of the nerves and vessels within an anatomic compartment, causing pain uncontrolled by opioids and neurovascular compromise. Option A is an expected finding. Option C related to compartment syndrome cannot be seen, and any visible edema is an expected finding related to the injury. Option D is an expected finding.
An emaciated homeless client presents to the emergency department complaining of a productive cough, with blood-tinged sputum and night sweats. Which action is most important for the emergency department triage nurse to implement for this client? A. Initiate airborne infection precautions. B. Place a surgical mask on the client. C. Don an isolation gown and latex gloves. D. Start protective (reverse) isolation precautions.
A. This client is exhibiting classic symptoms of tuberculosis (TB), and the client is from a high-risk population for TB. Therefore, airborne infection precautions, which are indicated for TB, should be used with this client. Option B is used with droplet precautions. There is no evidence that option C or D would be warranted at this time.
An 81-year-old male client has emphysema. He lives at home with his cat and manages self-care with no difficulty. When making a home visit, the nurse notices that this client's tongue is somewhat cracked and his eyeballs appear sunken into his head. Which nursing intervention is indicated? A. Help the client determine ways to increase his fluid intake. B. Obtain an appointment for the client to have an eye examination. C. Instruct the client to use oxygen at night and increase the humidification. D. Schedule the client for tests to determine his sensitivity to cat hair.
A. Clients with COPD should ingest 3 L of fluids daily but may experience a fluid deficit because of shortness of breath. The nurse should suggest creative methods to increase the intake of fluids, such as having fruit juices in disposable containers readily available. Option B is not indicated. Humidified oxygen will not effectively treat the client's fluid deficit, and there is no indication that the client needs supplemental oxygen at night. These symptoms are not indicative of option D and may unnecessarily upset the client, who depends on his pet for socialization.
A client with hypertension has been receiving ramipril (Altace), 5 mg PO, daily for 2 weeks and is scheduled to receive a dose at 0900. At 0830, the client's blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? A. Administer the prescribed dose at the scheduled time. B. Hold the dose and contact the health care provider. C. Hold the dose and recheck the blood pressure in 1 hour. D. Check the health care provider's prescription to clarify the dose.
A. The client's blood pressure is within normal limits, indicating that the ramipril, an antihypertensive, is having the desired effect and should be administered. Options B and C would be appropriate if the client's blood pressure was excessively low (<100 mm Hg systolic) or if the client were exhibiting signs of hypotension such as dizziness. This prescribed dose is within the normal dosage range, as defined by the manufacturer; therefore, option D is not necessary.
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris complains of chest pain while ambulating in the hallway. Which action should the nurse implement first? A. Support the client to a sitting position. B. Ask the client to walk slowly back to the room. C. Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet. D. Provide oxygen via nasal cannula.
A. The nurse should safely assist the client to a resting position and then perform options C and D. The client must cease all activity immediately, which will decrease the oxygen requirement of the myocardial muscle. After these interventions are implemented, the client can be escorted back to the room via wheelchair or stretcher
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube to water seal drainage that was inserted 10 days ago because of a ruptured bullae and pneumothorax. Which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider before the chest tube is removed? A. Tidaling of water in water seal chamber B. Bilateral muffled breath sounds at bases C. Temperature of 101° F D. Absence of chest tube drainage for 2 days
A. Tidaling (rising and falling of water with respirations) in the water seal chamber should be reported to the health care provider before the chest tube is removed to rule out an unresolved pneumothorax or persistent air leak, which is characteristic of a ruptured bullae caused by abnormally wide changes in negative intrathoracic pressure. Option B may indicate hypoventilation from chest tube discomfort and usually improves when the chest tube is removed. Option C usually indicates an infection, which may not be related to the chest tube. Option D is an expected finding.
The nurse is counseling a healthy 30-year-old female client regarding osteoporosis prevention. Which activity would be most beneficial in achieving the client's goal of osteoporosis prevention? A. Cross-country skiing B. Scuba diving C. Horseback riding D. Kayaking
A. Weight-bearing exercise is an important measure to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Of the activities listed, cross-country skiing includes the most weight-bearing, whereas options B, C, and D involve less.
During a health fair, a male client with emphysema tells the nurse that he fatigues easily. Assessment reveals marked clubbing of the fingernails and an increased anteroposterior chest diameter. Which instruction is best to provide the client? A. "Pace your activities and schedule rest periods." B. "Increase the amount of oxygen you use at night." C. "Obtain medical evaluation for antibiotic therapy." D. "Reduce your intake of fluids containing caffeine."
A.Manifestations of emphysema include an increase in AP diameter (referred to as a barrel chest), nail bed clubbing, and fatigue. The nurse can provide instructions to promote energy management, such as pacing activities and scheduling rest periods. Option B may result in a decreased drive to breathe. The client is not exhibiting any symptoms of infection, so option C is not necessary. Option D is less beneficial than option A.
An older male client comes to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg that is warm to the touch, and the nurse suspects that the client may have thrombophlebitis. Which additional assessment is most important for the nurse to perform? A. Measure the client's calf circumference. B. Auscultate the client's breath sounds. C. Observe for ecchymosis and petechiae. D. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
B. All these techniques provide useful assessment data. The most important is to auscultate the client's breath sounds because the client may have a pulmonary embolus secondary to the thrombophlebitis. Option A may provide data that support the nurse's suspicion of thrombophlebitis. Option C is the least helpful assessment because bruising is not a typical finding associated with thrombophlebitis. Option D is always useful in evaluating the client's response to a problem but is of less immediate priority than breath sound auscultation.
A 58-year-old client who has no health problems asks the nurse about receiving the pneumococcal vaccine. Which statement given by the nurse would offer the client accurate information about this vaccine? A. The vaccine is given annually before the flu season to those older than 50 years. B. The immunization is administered once to older adults or those at risk for illness. C. The vaccine is for all ages and is given primarily to those persons traveling overseas to areas of infection. D. The vaccine will prevent the occurrence of pneumococcal pneumonia for up to 5 years.
B. It is usually recommended that persons older than 65 years and those with a history of chronic illness should receive the vaccine once in their lifetime. Some recommend receiving the vaccine at 50 years of age. The influenza vaccine is given once a year. Although the vaccine might be given to a person traveling overseas, that is not the main rationale for administering the vaccine. The vaccine is usually given once in a lifetime, but with immunosuppressed clients or clients with a history of pneumonia, revaccination is sometimes required.
A nurse is assisting an 82-year-old client with ambulation and is concerned that the client may fall. Which area contains the older person's center of gravity? A. Head and neck B. Upper torso C. Bilateral arms D. Feet and legs
B. Stooped posture results in the upper torso becoming the center of gravity for older persons. The center of gravity for adults is the hips. However, as a person grows older, a stooped posture is common because of changes caused by osteoporosis and normal bone degeneration. Furthermore, the knees, hips, and elbows flex. The head and neck and feet and legs are not the center of gravity in the older adult. Although the arms comprise a part of the upper torso, they do not reflect the best and most complete answer.
A male client has just undergone a laryngectomy and has a cuffed tracheostomy tube in place. When initiating bolus tube feedings postoperatively, when should the nurse inflate the cuff? A. Immediately after feeding B. Just prior to tube feeding C. Continuous inflation is required D. Inflation is not required
B. The cuff should be inflated before the feeding to block the trachea and prevent food from entering if oral feedings are started while a cuffed tracheostomy tube is in place. It should remain inflated throughout the feeding to prevent aspiration of food into the respiratory system. Options A and D place the client at risk for aspiration. Option C places the client at risk for tracheal wall necrosis.
A client with chronic asthma is admitted to the PACU complaining of pain at a level of 8 on a 1 to 10 scale, with a blood pressure of 124/78 mm Hg, pulse of 88 beats/min, and respirations of 20 breaths/min. The PACU recovery prescription is "Morphine, 2 to 4 mg IV push, while in recovery for pain level over 5." Which intervention should the nurse implement? A. Give the medication as prescribed to decrease the client's pain. B. Call the anesthesia provider for a different medication for pain. C. Use nonpharmacologic techniques before giving the medication. D. Reassess the pain level in 30 minutes and medicate if it remains elevated.
B. The nurse should call the provider for a different medication because morphine is a histamine-releasing opioid and should be avoided when the client has asthma. Option A is unsafe because it puts the client at risk for an asthma exacerbation. Even if the drug were safe for the client, options C and D both disregard the prescription and the client's need for pain relief in the immediate postoperative period.
A client with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation develops ventricular ectopy with a pattern of 8 ectopic beats/min. Which action should the nurse take based on this observation? A. Assess for bilateral jugular vein distention. B. Increase oxygen flow via nasal cannula. C. Administer PRN furosemide (Lasix). D. Auscultate for a pleural friction rub.
B. This client should have the oxygen flow immediately increased to promote oxygenation of the myocardium. Ventricular ectopy, characterized by multiple PVCs, is often caused by myocardial ischemia exacerbated by hypokalemia. The nurse would expect the client in congestive heart failure to have some degree of option A, which does not exacerbate the ectopy. Option C could create a more severe hypokalemia, which could increase the ectopy. The client is not exhibiting signs of option D.
A client is placed on a mechanical ventilator following a cerebral hemorrhage, and vecuronium bromide, 0.04 mg/kg every 12 hours IV, is prescribed. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this client? A. Impaired communication related to paralysis of skeletal muscles B. High risk for infection related to increased intracranial pressure C. Potential for injury related to impaired lung expansion D. Social isolation related to inability to communicate
B. To increase the client's tolerance of endotracheal intubation and/or mechanical ventilation, a skeletal muscle relaxant such as vecuronium is usually prescribed. Option A is a serious outcome because the client cannot communicate his or her needs. Although this client might also experience option D, it is not a priority when compared with option A. Infection is not related to increased intracranial pressure. The respirator will ensure that the lungs are expanded, so option C is incorrect.
A client on telemetry has a pattern of uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Based on this finding, the nurse anticipates assisting the physician with which treatment? A. Administer lidocaine, 75 mg intravenous push. B. Perform synchronized cardioversion. C. Defibrillate the client as soon as possible. D. Administer atropine, 0.4 mg intravenous push.
B. With uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, the treatment of choice is synchronized cardioversion to convert the cardiac rhythm back to normal sinus rhythm. Option A is a medication used for ventricular dysrhythmias. Option C is not for a client with atrial fibrillation; it is reserved for clients with life-threatening dysrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia. Option D is the drug of choice in symptomatic sinus bradycardia, not atrial fibrillation.
When educating a client after a total laryngectomy, which instruction would be most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching? A. Recommend that the client carry suction equipment at all times. B. Instruct the client to have writing materials with him at all times. C. Tell the client to carry a medical alert card that explains his condition. D. Caution the client not to travel outside the United States alone.
C. Neck breathers carry a medical alert card that notifies health care personnel of the need to use mouth to stoma breathing in the event of a cardiac arrest in this client. Mouth to mouth resuscitation will not establish a patent airway. Options A and D are not necessary. There are many alternative means of communication for clients who have had a laryngectomy; dependence on writing messages is probably the least effective.
Which age-related change in the older adult has the highest safety implication for the client? A. Change in height B. Hair loss C. Stooped posture D. Age spots
C. Stooped posture results in the upper torso becoming the center of gravity for older persons. The center of gravity for adults is the hips. However, as a person grows older, a stooped posture is common because of changes caused by osteoporosis and normal bone degeneration. Furthermore, the knees, hips, and elbows flex. This age-related change can put the older adult at risk for falls. Options A, B, and D are age-related changes but are not high safety concerns.
What is the correct location for placement of the hands for manual chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the adult client? A. Just above the xiphoid process, on the upper third of the sternum B. Below the xiphoid process, midway between the sternum and the umbilicus C. Just above the xiphoid process, on the lower third of the sternum D. Below the xiphoid process, midway between the sternum and the first rib
C. The correct placement of the hands for chest compressions in CPR is just above the notch where the ribs meet the sternum on the lower part of the sternum. Option A is too high. Option B would not compress the heart. Option D would likely cause damage to both structures, possibly causing a puncture of the heart, and would not render effective compressions.
A 62-year-old woman who lives alone tripped on a rug in her home and fractured her hip. Which predisposing factor most likely contributed to the fracture in the proximal end of her femur? A. Failing eyesight resulting in an unsafe environment B. Renal osteodystrophy resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) C. Osteoporosis resulting from declining hormone levels D. Cerebral vessel changes causing transient ischemic attacks
C. The most common cause of a fractured hip in older women is osteoporosis, resulting from reduced calcium in the bones as a result of hormonal changes in the perimenopausal years. Option A may or may not have contributed to the accident, but eye changes were not involved in promoting the hip fracture. Option B is not a common condition of older people but is associated with CKD. Although option D may result in transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke, it will not result in fragility of the bones, as does osteoporosis.
The nurse assesses a client who has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for cardiac disease. Which electrocardiographic change would be a concern for a client taking a diuretic? A. Tall, spiked T waves B. A prolonged QT interval C. A widening QRS complex D. Presence of a U wave
D. A U wave is a positive deflection following the T wave and is often present with hypokalemia (low potassium level). Options A, B, and C are all signs of hyperkalemia
A 74-year-old male client is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia. Currently, he is ventilator-dependent, with settings of tidal volume (VT) of 750 mL and an intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) rate of 10 breaths/min. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are as follows: pH, 7.48; PaCO2, 30 mm Hg; PaO2, 64 mm Hg; HCO3, 25 mEq/L; and FiO2, 0.80. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? A. Increase the ventilator VT to 850 mL. B. Decrease the ventilator IMV to a rate of 8 breaths/min. C. Reduce the FiO2 to 0.70 and redraw ABGs. D. Add 5 cm positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
D. Adding PEEP helps improve oxygenation while reducing FiO2 to a less toxic level. Options A, B, and C will not result in improved oxygenation and could cause further complications for this client, who is experiencing respiratory failure.
A client who is receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for hypertension calls the clinic and reports the recent onset of a cough to the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement? A. Advise the client to come to the clinic immediately for further assessment. B. Instruct the client to discontinue use of the drug and to make an appointment at the clinic. C. Suggest that the client learn to accept the cough as a side effect to a necessary prescription. D. Encourage the client to keep taking the drug until seen by the health care provider.
D. Coughing is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and is not an indication to discontinue the medication. Immediate evaluation is not needed. Antihypertensive medications should not be stopped abruptly because rebound hypertension may occur. Option C is demeaning because the cough may be very disruptive to the client, and other antihypertensive medications may produce the desired effect without the adverse effect.
A central venous catheter has been inserted via a jugular vein, and a radiograph has confirmed placement of the catheter. A prescription has been received for a medication STAT, but IV fluids have not yet been started. Which action should the nurse take prior to administering the prescribed medication? A. Assess for signs of jugular venous distention. B. Obtain the needed intravenous solution. C. Flush the line with heparinized solution. D. Flush the line with normal saline.
D. Medication can be administered via a central line without additional IV fluids. The line should first be flushed with a normal saline solution to ensure patency. Insufficient evidence exists on the effectiveness of flushing catheters with heparin. Option A will not affect the decision to administer the medication and is not a priority. Administration of the medication STAT is of greater priority than option B.
The nurse notes that the client's drainage has decreased from 50 to 5 mL/hr 12 hours after chest tube insertion for hemothorax. What is the best initial action for the nurse to take? A. Document this expected decrease in drainage. B. Clamp the chest tube while assessing for air leaks. C. Milk the tube to remove any excessive blood clot buildup. D. Assess for kinks or dependent loops in the tubing.
D. The least invasive nursing action should be performed first to determine why the drainage has diminished. Option A is completed after assessing for any problems causing the decrease in drainage. Option B is no longer considered standard protocol because the increase in pressure may be harmful to the client. Option C is an appropriate nursing action after the tube has been assessed for kinks or dependent loops.
Which statement reflects the highest priority nursing diagnosis for an older client recently admitted to the hospital for a new-onset cardiac dysrhythmia? A. Diarrhea related to medication side effects B. Anxiety related to fear of recurrent anginal episodes C. Altered nutrition related to high serum lipid levels D. Risk for injury related to syncope and confusion
D. The loss of cardiac function in aging decreases cardiac output, so dysrhythmias, particularly tachycardias, are poorly tolerated. With onset of a tachycardic or bradycardic dysrhythmia, cardiac output is compromised further, placing the client at risk of syncope and falling, as well as confusion. Option A is of high priority but less so than maintaining client safety. Clients may experience option B as a result of a newly diagnosed cardiac condition, but this nursing diagnosis does not have the priority of option D. Option C also does not have the priority of option D.
An older client is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Which symptom should the nurse report to the health care provider after assessing the client? A. Leukocytosis and febrile B. Polycythemia and crackles C. Pharyngitis and sputum production D. Confusion and tachycardia
D. The onset of pneumonia in the older client may be signaled by general deterioration, confusion, increased heart rate, and/or increased respiratory rate. Options A, B, and C are often absent in the older client with bacterial pneumonia.
Which nursing action is necessary for the client with a flail chest? A. Withhold prescribed analgesic medications. B. Percuss the fractured rib area with light taps. C. Avoid implementing pulmonary suctioning. D. Encourage coughing and deep breathing
D. Treatment of flail chest is focused on preventing atelectasis and related complications of compromised ventilation by encouraging coughing and deep breathing. This condition is typically diagnosed in clients with three or more rib fractures, resulting in paradoxic movement of a segment of the chest wall. Option C should not be avoided because suctioning is necessary to maintain pulmonary toilet in clients who require mechanical ventilation. Option A should not be withheld. Option B should not be applied because the fractures are clearly visible on the chest radiograph.
A family member was taught to suction a client's tracheostomy prior to the client's discharge from the hospital. Which observation by the nurse indicates that the family member is capable of correctly performing the suctioning technique? A. Turns on the continuous wall suction to 190 mm Hg. B. Inserts the catheter until resistance or coughing occurs. C. Withdraws the catheter while maintaining suctioning. D. Reclears the tracheostomy after suctioning the mouth
Option B indicates correct technique for performing suctioning. Suction pressure should be between 80 and 120 mm Hg, not 190 mm Hg. The catheter should be withdrawn 1 to 2 cm at a time with intermittent, not continuous, suction. Option D introduces pathogens unnecessarily into the tracheobronchial tre