HESI Med Surg Level Three Questions and Answers
List four common symptoms of pneumonia the nurse might note on physical examination
- Tachypnea, shallow respirations with use of accessory muscles
- abrupt onset of fever with shaking and chills (not reliable in older adults)
- productive cough with pleuritic pain
- rapid, bounding pulse
State four nursing interventions for assisting the client to cough productively
- deep breathing q2 hours (may use incentive spirometer)
- use humidity to loosen secretions (may be used with O2)
- suctioning the airway if necessary, also helps with coughing
- chest physiotherapy
-increase fluids to 3L/day
What symptoms of pneumonia might the nurse expect to see in an older client?
- confusion
- lethargy/malaise
- anorexia
- rapid respiratory rate
- tachycardia
How does the nurse prevent hypoxia when suctioning?
oxygenate with 100% O2 for 1-2 minutes before and after suctioning
During mechanical ventilation, what are three major nursing interventions?
- verify that the alarms are on
- maintain settings, and check often to ensure that they are specifically set as prescribed by the HCP
- verify functioning of ventilator at least q4 hours
-keep airway clear by coughing and suctioning
When examining a client with emphysema, what physical findings is the nurse most likely to see?
- bronchospasm and dyspnea
- change in breathing pattern
- over inflation of lungs... barrel chest
- generalized cyanosis
- either dry or productive cough
- higher CO2 than average
- low O2, usually between 90-92%
- decreased breath sounds
- coarse crackles in lungs that tend to disappear after coughing
- orthopnea
- poor nutrition, weight loss
- activity intolerance
-anxiety from not being able to breath
What is the most common risk factor associated with lung cancer?
cigarette smoking/marijuana
describe why preop care is important for a pt going for a laryngectomy
- involve family and client in manipulation of trach equipment before surgery
- plan acceptable communication methods
- refer to speech pathologist
- discuss rehab program
List 5 nursing interventions after chest tube insertion.
- keep all tubing loosely coiled below chest level, ensure connections are tight and taped
- keep water seal and suction control at appropriate levels
- monitor fluid drainage and mark times of measurement and the fluid level
- observe for bubbling in water seal chamber
- monitor clients clinical status
- check position of chest drainage system
- encourage client to deep breath periodically
- do not empty collection chamber container of chest tube, replace whole unit when full
- do not strip or milk chest tubes
- chest tubes are not clamped, if drainage system breaks, place distal end of tube in sterile water as an emergency water seal
- maintain dry occlusive dressing
What immediate action should the nurse take when a chest tube becomes disconnected from a bottle or suction apparatus? What should the nurse do if a chest tube is accidentally removed from the client?
place the end of the tube in at least 2 cm of sterile water, apply an occlusive dressing, and notify HCP stat
what instructions should be given to a client after radiation therapy?
- do not wash off lines
- wear soft cotton clothes
- avoid use of powder and cream on radiation site
what precautions are required for clients with TB when placed on respiratory isolation?
- mask for anyone entering the room
- private room for client
- client must wear mast when leaving the room
what are four components for teaching clients with TB?
- cough into tissues and dispose of immediately in special bags
- long-term need for daily meds
- good hand-washing
- report symptoms of deterioration, such as blood in secretions
differentiate between ARF and CRF
ARF: often reversible, abrupt deterioration of kidney fxn
CRF: irreversible, slow deterioration of kidney fxn characterized by increasing BUN and creatinine. Eventually dialysis is required.
During the oliguric phase of renal failure, protein should be severely restricted. What is the rationale for this restriction?
toxic metabolites that build up in the blood (urea&creatinine) are derived mainly from protein catabolism
Identify two nursing interventions for the client on hemodialysis.
do not take BP or perform venipuncture on arm with AV shunt, fistula, or graft
- assess site for thrill and bruit
a client with renal failure asks why antacids are being given... what should the nurse say
calcium and aluminum antacids bind phosphates and help keep phosphates from being absorbed into bloodstream, thereby preventing rise of phosphate levels in blood
- must be taken with meals
list 4 essential elements of a teaching plan for a pt with frequent UTI's
- fluid intake of 3L/day
- good hand washing
- void q2-3 hours while awake
- take all prescribed meds
- wear cotton underwear
what are the most important nursing interventions for clients with possible renal calculi
-straining urine is the most important
- accurate I&O and administer analgesics prn
What discharge instructions should be given to a client who has had urinary calculi?
- maintain high fluid intake to 3-4L/day
- follow up care, stones tend to reoccur
- follow prescribed diet based on calculi content
- avoid supine position
after TURP, hematuria should subside after how many days?
4 days
After the urinary catheter is removed in the TURP client, what are 3 priority nursing actions?
- strict I&O
- continued observation for hematuria
- inform pt that burning and frequency is a possible outcome for up to a week
After kidney surgery, what are the primary assessments the nurse should make?
- respiratory status (breathing is guarded from pain)
- circulatory status (kidney is vascular and bleeding may occur)
- pain assessment
- urinary assessment (most important, assessment of urinary output)
How do clients experiencing angina describe that pain?
described as squeezing, heavy, burning, radiates to L arm or shoulder, transient or prolonged
Develop a teaching plan for a client taking nitroglycerin.
- take at first sign of anginal pain
- take no more than 3 five minutes apart
- call 911 if no relief in 10 minutes
parameters of BP for diagnosing HTN
140/90
differentiate between essential and secondary HTN
Essential HTN has no known cause; secondary HTN develops in response to an identifiable mechanism.
Develop a teaching plan for a client taking antihypertensive medications.
explain how and when to take meds; reason for meds; necessity of compliance; need for follow up visits while on meds; need for lab testing; VS parameters while initiating therapy
Describe intermittent claudication
Pain related to PVD; the pain occurs with exercise and disappears with rest.
Describe the nurse's discharge instructions to a client with venous PVD.
keep extremities elevated when sitting; rest at first sign of pain; keep extremities warm, but do not use heating pads; change position often; avoid crossing legs; do not wear tight clothing
what is the underlying cause of AAA
Atheroscloerosis
what lab values should be monitored daily for a pt with thrombophlebitis who is on anticoag therapy
PTT, PT, Hgb, Hct, platelets
When do PVCs present a grave danger?
When they begin to occur more often than once in 10 beats, occur in twos or threes, land near the T wave, or take on multiple configurations
differentiate between the symptoms of left sided heart failure and right sided
- L sided results in pulmonary failure due to backup of circulation in the left ventricle
- R sided results in peripheral congestion due to backup of circulation in the R ventricle
list 3 symptoms of digitalis toxicity
Dysrhythmias, headache, nausea, and vomiting
what condition increases the chance that dig toxicity will occur
hypokalemia (which is more common when dig and diuretics are given together)
what lifestyle changes can the pt who is at risk for HTN initiate to reduce the likelihood of becoming hypertensive?
cease cigarette smoking; control weight; exercise regularly; maintain low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
what immediate action should the nurse implement when a pt is having an MI
- administer O2 by nasal cannula at 2-5L/min
- ensure patent IV is started to deliver emergency meds
- take measures to alleviate pain and anxiety
- pt put on immediate bed rest to decrease amount of O2 demands on heart
What symptoms should the nurse expect to find in a client with hypokalemia?
dry mouth and thirst; drowsiness and lethargy; muscle weakness and aches; tachycardia
bradycardia is defined as a HR below _____, and tachycardia is defined as a HR above ______
60 bpm; 100 bpm
what precautions should a client with valve disease take before invasive procedures such as dental work
take prophylactic antibiotics
List four nursing interventions for the client with a hiatal hernia.
sit up while eating and for 1 hour after eating; eat frequent, small meals; eliminate foods that are problematic
list three categories of meds that are used in the tx of peptic ulcer disease
- antacids
- H2 receptor blockers
- mucosal healing agents
- proton pump inhibitors
List the symptoms of upper and lower GI bleeding
Upper GI: melena, hematemesis, tarry stools;
Lower GI: bloody stools, tarry stools;
Common to both: tarry stools
What bowel sound disruptions occur with an intestinal obstruction?
early mechanical obstructions: high pitched sounds
late mechanical obstruction: diminished or absent bowel sounds
list four nursing interventions for postop care of a pt with a colostomy
- irrigate daily at the same time
- use warm water for irrigations
- wash around stoma with mild soap and water after each ostomy bag change
-ensure pouch opening extends at least 1/8 inch around the stoma
List the common clinical manifestations of jaundice.
scleral icterus (yellow sclera)
dark urine
chalky, clay-colored stools
what are the common food intolerances for a pt with cholelithiasis
fried, spicy, and fatty foods
List five symptoms indicative of colon cancer
Rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, sense of incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain with nausea, weight loss
in a client with cirrhosis, it is imperative to prevent further bleeding and observe for bleeding tendencies. list 6 relevant nursing interventions
- avoid injections
- use small-bore needles for IV insertions
- maintain pressure on all injection sites for 5 min
- use electic razor
- use soft-brstile toothbrush
- check stools and emesis for occult blood
what is the main side effect of lactulose; which is used to reduce ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis
diarrhea
how should the nurse administer pancreatic enzymes
give with meals or snacks
powder forms should be mixed with fruit juices
List four groups who have a high risk for contracting hepatitis
homosexual males; IV drug users; those who have had recent ear or tattoos; health care workers
what diagnostic test is used to determine thyroid activity
T3 & T4
what condition results from all tx for hyperthyroidism
hypothyroidism; requiring thyroid replacement
State three symptoms of hyperthyroidism and three symptoms of hypothyroidism.
hyperthyroidism: weight loss, heat intolerance, diarrhea
hypothyroidism: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain
List five important teaching aspects for clients who are beginning corticosteroid therapy
- continue medication until weaning plan has begun by HCP
- monitor potassium, glucose, and sodium frequently
- weigh daily; report a gain of 5 lb/week
- monitor BP and pulse
- teach S&S of cushings
describe the physical appearance of a pt who has cushings
moon face
obesity of trunk
buffalo hump in back
muscle atrophy
thin skin
What type of diabetes is insulin dependent?
Type 1
what type of diabetes sometimes requires no meds
type 2
list 5 symptoms of hyperglycemia
Polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weakness, weight loss
list 5 symptoms of hypoglycemia
Hunger, lethargy, confusion, tremors or shakes, sweating
Name the necessary elements to include in teaching a new diabetic:
- the underlying pathophys
- management and tx regimen
- meal planning
- exercise program
- insulin admin
- sick-day management
- symptoms of hyperglycemia (not enough insulin)
-symptoms of hypoglycemia (too much insulin, too much exercise, not enough food)
- foot care
Identify the peak action time of the following types of insulin; rapid-acting regular insulin; intermediate-acting insulin; long- acting insulin.
rapid acting insulin: 2-4 hours
intermediate: 6-12 hours
long acting: 14-20 hours
when preparing a client with diabetes for discharge, the nurse teaches the relationship between stress, exercise, bedtime snacking, and glucose balance. state the relationship among each of these
stress and stress hormones usually increase glucose production and increase insulin need
exercise may increase the chance of hypoglycemia, the client must always carry a fast-acting source of carb, such as a glucose tablet when exercising
the nurse is in a situation where there is no premixed insulin. describe the method of drawing up a mixed dose of insulin
- identify prescribed dose and type of insulin
- store unopened insulin in fridge
- open insulin has to be kept at room temp
- draw up R insulin first
- rotate injection sites
- may reuse syringe by recapping and storing in fridge
when making rounds at night, the nurse notices a pt prescribed insulin is complaining of a headache, nausea and slight trembling, and their hand is cool and moist. what is this pt most likely having?
hypoglycemia/insulin reaction
Identify 5 foot care interventions that should be taught to the client with diabetes
check feet daily
report any breaks, sores or blisters
wear well fitted shoes
never go barefoot or wear sandals
never personally remove corns or calluses
cut/file nails straight across
wash feet daily with mild soap and water
differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and OA in terms of joint involvement
RA occurs bilaterally and OA occurs asymmetrically
Identify the categories of drugs commonly used to treat arthritis.
NSAIDs, of which salicylates are the cornerstone of tx, and corticosteroids (used when S&S are severe)
Identify pain-relief interventions for clients with arthritis.
warm, moist heat (compresses, baths and showers), diversionary activities (imaging, self-distraction, self-hypnosis, biofeedback), meds
What measures should the nurse encourage female clients to take to prevent osteoporosis?
possible estrogen replacement therapy after menopause
high calcium and Vit D intake beginning in early adulthood
calcium supplements after menopause
weight-bearing exercises
what are common side effects of salicylates
GI irritation, tinnitus, thrombocytopenia, mild liver enzyme elevation.
what is the priority nursing intervention used with clients using NSAIDs
admin or teach pt to take meds with food or milk
List three of the most common joints that are replaced?
hip, knee, finger
Describe postop residual lib care after amputation for the first 48 hours?
elevate stump for first 24 hours
do not elevate after 48 hours
keep stump in extended position and turn client prone three times a day to prevent flexion contracture
Describe nursing care for the client who is experiencing phantom pain after amputation.
be aware that phantom pain is real and will eventually disappear
admin pain meds; phantom pain responds to pain meds
What are the immediate nursing actions if fat embolization is suspected in a client with a fracture or other orthopedic condition?
notify HCP stat
draw ABGs
assist with endotrach intubation and tx of respiratory failure
Content preview
HESI Med Surg Level Three Questions
and Answers
List four common symptoms of pneumonia the nurse might note on physical
examination - answer- Tachypnea, shallow respirations with use of accessory muscles
- abrupt onset of fever with shaking and chills (not reliable in older adults)
- productive cough with pleuritic pain
- rapid, bounding pulse
State four nursing interventions for assisting the client to cough productively - answer-
deep breathing q2 hours (may use incentive spirometer)
- use humidity to loosen secretions (may be used with O2)
- suctioning the airway if necessary, also helps with coughing
- chest physiotherapy
-increase fluids to 3L/day
What symptoms of pneumonia might the nurse expect to see in an older client? -
answer- confusion
- lethargy/malaise
- anorexia
- rapid respiratory rate
- tachycardia
How does the nurse prevent hypoxia when suctioning? - answeroxygenate with 100%
O2 for 1-2 minutes before and after suctioning
During mechanical ventilation, what are three major nursing interventions? - answer-
verify that the alarms are on
- maintain settings, and check often to ensure that they are specifically set as
prescribed by the HCP
- verify functioning of ventilator at least q4 hours
-keep airway clear by coughing and suctioning
When examining a client with emphysema, what physical findings is the nurse most
likely to see? - answer- bronchospasm and dyspnea
- change in breathing pattern
- over inflation of lungs... barrel chest
- generalized cyanosis
- either dry or productive cough
- higher CO2 than average
- low O2, usually between 90-92%
- decreased breath sounds
- coarse crackles in lungs that tend to disappear after coughing
,- orthopnea
- poor nutrition, weight loss
- activity intolerance
-anxiety from not being able to breath
What is the most common risk factor associated with lung cancer? - answercigarette
smoking/marijuana
describe why preop care is important for a pt going for a laryngectomy - answer- involve
family and client in manipulation of trach equipment before surgery
- plan acceptable communication methods
- refer to speech pathologist
- discuss rehab program
List 5 nursing interventions after chest tube insertion. - answer- keep all tubing loosely
coiled below chest level, ensure connections are tight and taped
- keep water seal and suction control at appropriate levels
- monitor fluid drainage and mark times of measurement and the fluid level
- observe for bubbling in water seal chamber
- monitor clients clinical status
- check position of chest drainage system
- encourage client to deep breath periodically
- do not empty collection chamber container of chest tube, replace whole unit when full
- do not strip or milk chest tubes
- chest tubes are not clamped, if drainage system breaks, place distal end of tube in
sterile water as an emergency water seal
- maintain dry occlusive dressing
What immediate action should the nurse take when a chest tube becomes disconnected
from a bottle or suction apparatus? What should the nurse do if a chest tube is
accidentally removed from the client? - answerplace the end of the tube in at least 2 cm
of sterile water, apply an occlusive dressing, and notify HCP stat
what instructions should be given to a client after radiation therapy? - answer- do not
wash off lines
- wear soft cotton clothes
- avoid use of powder and cream on radiation site
what precautions are required for clients with TB when placed on respiratory isolation? -
answer- mask for anyone entering the room
- private room for client
- client must wear mast when leaving the room
what are four components for teaching clients with TB? - answer- cough into tissues
and dispose of immediately in special bags
- long-term need for daily meds
, - good hand-washing
- report symptoms of deterioration, such as blood in secretions
differentiate between ARF and CRF - answerARF: often reversible, abrupt deterioration
of kidney fxn
CRF: irreversible, slow deterioration of kidney fxn characterized by increasing BUN and
creatinine. Eventually dialysis is required.
During the oliguric phase of renal failure, protein should be severely restricted. What is
the rationale for this restriction? - answertoxic metabolites that build up in the blood
(urea&creatinine) are derived mainly from protein catabolism
Identify two nursing interventions for the client on hemodialysis. - answerdo not take BP
or perform venipuncture on arm with AV shunt, fistula, or graft
- assess site for thrill and bruit
a client with renal failure asks why antacids are being given... what should the nurse say
- answercalcium and aluminum antacids bind phosphates and help keep phosphates
from being absorbed into bloodstream, thereby preventing rise of phosphate levels in
blood
- must be taken with meals
list 4 essential elements of a teaching plan for a pt with frequent UTI's - answer- fluid
intake of 3L/day
- good hand washing
- void q2-3 hours while awake
- take all prescribed meds
- wear cotton underwear
what are the most important nursing interventions for clients with possible renal calculi -
answer-straining urine is the most important
- accurate I&O and administer analgesics prn
What discharge instructions should be given to a client who has had urinary calculi? -
answer- maintain high fluid intake to 3-4L/day
- follow up care, stones tend to reoccur
- follow prescribed diet based on calculi content
- avoid supine position
after TURP, hematuria should subside after how many days? - answer4 days
After the urinary catheter is removed in the TURP client, what are 3 priority nursing
actions? - answer- strict I&O
- continued observation for hematuria
- inform pt that burning and frequency is a possible outcome for up to a week