HESI PN MEDSURG EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES |
ALREADY GRADED A+ | LATEST VERSION |
VERIFIED ANSWERS | JUST RELEASED
A client diagnosed with a skull hematoma and fractured left (L) clavicle
following a six foot fall from a ladder is admitted to the unit. Which sign
should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately?
a. Spontaneously opens eyes.
b. Obeys commands in movement and grip.
c. Answers questions, but is confused.
d. Has abnormal flexion or extension of (L) arm. ------CORRECT ANSWER-
--------------c. Answers questions, but is confused.
Rationale:
Confusion following a head injury is usually the first sign of increased
intracranial pressure.
A client diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy has a nonhealing ulcer on the
lateral aspect of their right (R) foot. Which question should the practical
nurse (PN) ask to gather objective data for the development of a diabetic
foot care teaching plan?
a. Ask the client how they examine their feet.
b. Ask which hypoglycemic medication they take.
c. Ask to look at the pair of shoes they wear.
d. Ask how long they have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. ------
CORRECT ANSWER---------------c. Ask to look at the pair of shoes they
wear.
Rationale:
Asking to look at the client's shoes will give the most objective data.
The PN needs to inspect the client's shoes' inside for any area such
as a seam that may be rubbing against the client foot causing trauma
,to their feet. Well-fitted shoes are very important to prevent the
development of foot ulcers for the diabetic client.
A client with chronic pancreatitis has been taking pancreatin with meals.
How does the nurse assist with evaluating the effectiveness of the
treatment?
a. The client has no further gallstones.
b. The powder is well mixed with applesauce.
c. The client's blood sugar remains in normal range.
d. The client's stools remain soft and medium brown in color. ------
CORRECT ANSWER---------------d. The client's stools remain soft and
medium brown in color.
The client taking pancreatin should have stools that are soft and
medium brown in color. If the pancreatic enzyme replacement is not
effective, the stools would be loose, frequent, and have a fatty
consistency. Pancreatin will not prevent gallstones, nor stabilize the
blood sugars. It is important that the pancreatin powder be mixed well
with applesauce, but ensuring it is mixed well will not determine
effectiveness of the medication.
A client with a vaginal discharge and pruritus is diagnosed a yeast infection
(Candidiasis) and is prescribed a 7-day course of an intravaginal
tioconazole. What information should the practical nurse provide to the
client about using this form of medication?
a. Wait at least 30 minutes before douching after insertion of the
medication.
b. Remain recumbent for 5 to 15 minutes after insertion of the medication.
c. Do not eat anything 1 hour before or 2 hours after medication
administration.
d. Sexual intercourse may be resumed after one dose of the medication. ---
---CORRECT ANSWER---------------b. Remain recumbent for 5 to 15
minutes after insertion of the medication.
:
,The client should remain recumbent for 5 to 15 minutes after inserting
the medication to facilitate absorption and to prevent loss of
medication from the vagina.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should the
practical nurse report to the charge nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a. Muscle cramps
b. Diarrhea
c. Altered blood glucose level
d. Increased energy
e. Abnormal heart rhythms
f. Increased anxiety ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------a. Muscle cramps
e. Abnormal heart rhythms
A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (mmol/L). Signs
and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps and
dysrhythmias.
A client has visited the health care provider and has been diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which symptom most likely prompted the client to
seek medical attention?
a. Severe thirst
b. Increased urine output
c. Fruity odor to the breath
d. Frequent vaginal infections ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------d.
Frequent vaginal infections
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes arise more slowly and are less dramatic.
The client may learn then have type 2 diabetes when being treated for
frequent infections, a change in vision and impotence. Extreme thirst,
hunger, and a large urine output are more likely to be noticed with
type 1 diabetes. Fruity odor to the breath is associated with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). Type 2 diabetes is less likely to cause DKA.
, Maintaining the airway during a seizure is a priority for safety. The practical
nurse needs to ensure there is a functioning suction apparatus to ensure
airway clearance and an oxygen delivery system at bedside in the event of
a seizure.
A client asks the practical nurse what type of food is the best to eat reduce
their chances of getting colon cancer. Which type of foods should the PN
suggest to the client? (Select all that apply.)
a. Red meats
b. Fruits and vegetables
c. Dairy products
d. Whole grains
e. Chicken and turkey
f. Protein shakes ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------b. Fruits and
vegetables
d. Whole grains
According to the American Cancer Society, "studies suggest that
fiber in the diet, especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal
cancer risk."
The nurse is caring for a client with glaucoma. The nurse expects which
aspect to be included in the plan of care?
a. Encourage the client to anticipate the return of vision once treatment has
begun.
b. Explain that the cloudy lens can be removed with surgery, usually as an
outpatient.
c. Encourage the client to place prescribed eye drops directly over the pupil
of the eye.
d. Explain to the client that eye drop use will be necessary for the rest of
the client's life. ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------d. Explain to the client
that eye drop use will be necessary for the rest of the client's life.
Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure, which can eventually
cause blindness if untreated. Eye drop instillation will be necessary
for the rest of the client's life. Even with early treatment, vision loss
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES |
ALREADY GRADED A+ | LATEST VERSION |
VERIFIED ANSWERS | JUST RELEASED
A client diagnosed with a skull hematoma and fractured left (L) clavicle
following a six foot fall from a ladder is admitted to the unit. Which sign
should the practical nurse (PN) report immediately?
a. Spontaneously opens eyes.
b. Obeys commands in movement and grip.
c. Answers questions, but is confused.
d. Has abnormal flexion or extension of (L) arm. ------CORRECT ANSWER-
--------------c. Answers questions, but is confused.
Rationale:
Confusion following a head injury is usually the first sign of increased
intracranial pressure.
A client diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy has a nonhealing ulcer on the
lateral aspect of their right (R) foot. Which question should the practical
nurse (PN) ask to gather objective data for the development of a diabetic
foot care teaching plan?
a. Ask the client how they examine their feet.
b. Ask which hypoglycemic medication they take.
c. Ask to look at the pair of shoes they wear.
d. Ask how long they have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. ------
CORRECT ANSWER---------------c. Ask to look at the pair of shoes they
wear.
Rationale:
Asking to look at the client's shoes will give the most objective data.
The PN needs to inspect the client's shoes' inside for any area such
as a seam that may be rubbing against the client foot causing trauma
,to their feet. Well-fitted shoes are very important to prevent the
development of foot ulcers for the diabetic client.
A client with chronic pancreatitis has been taking pancreatin with meals.
How does the nurse assist with evaluating the effectiveness of the
treatment?
a. The client has no further gallstones.
b. The powder is well mixed with applesauce.
c. The client's blood sugar remains in normal range.
d. The client's stools remain soft and medium brown in color. ------
CORRECT ANSWER---------------d. The client's stools remain soft and
medium brown in color.
The client taking pancreatin should have stools that are soft and
medium brown in color. If the pancreatic enzyme replacement is not
effective, the stools would be loose, frequent, and have a fatty
consistency. Pancreatin will not prevent gallstones, nor stabilize the
blood sugars. It is important that the pancreatin powder be mixed well
with applesauce, but ensuring it is mixed well will not determine
effectiveness of the medication.
A client with a vaginal discharge and pruritus is diagnosed a yeast infection
(Candidiasis) and is prescribed a 7-day course of an intravaginal
tioconazole. What information should the practical nurse provide to the
client about using this form of medication?
a. Wait at least 30 minutes before douching after insertion of the
medication.
b. Remain recumbent for 5 to 15 minutes after insertion of the medication.
c. Do not eat anything 1 hour before or 2 hours after medication
administration.
d. Sexual intercourse may be resumed after one dose of the medication. ---
---CORRECT ANSWER---------------b. Remain recumbent for 5 to 15
minutes after insertion of the medication.
:
,The client should remain recumbent for 5 to 15 minutes after inserting
the medication to facilitate absorption and to prevent loss of
medication from the vagina.
A client has a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should the
practical nurse report to the charge nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a. Muscle cramps
b. Diarrhea
c. Altered blood glucose level
d. Increased energy
e. Abnormal heart rhythms
f. Increased anxiety ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------a. Muscle cramps
e. Abnormal heart rhythms
A normal potassium level ranges from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (mmol/L). Signs
and symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps and
dysrhythmias.
A client has visited the health care provider and has been diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which symptom most likely prompted the client to
seek medical attention?
a. Severe thirst
b. Increased urine output
c. Fruity odor to the breath
d. Frequent vaginal infections ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------d.
Frequent vaginal infections
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes arise more slowly and are less dramatic.
The client may learn then have type 2 diabetes when being treated for
frequent infections, a change in vision and impotence. Extreme thirst,
hunger, and a large urine output are more likely to be noticed with
type 1 diabetes. Fruity odor to the breath is associated with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). Type 2 diabetes is less likely to cause DKA.
, Maintaining the airway during a seizure is a priority for safety. The practical
nurse needs to ensure there is a functioning suction apparatus to ensure
airway clearance and an oxygen delivery system at bedside in the event of
a seizure.
A client asks the practical nurse what type of food is the best to eat reduce
their chances of getting colon cancer. Which type of foods should the PN
suggest to the client? (Select all that apply.)
a. Red meats
b. Fruits and vegetables
c. Dairy products
d. Whole grains
e. Chicken and turkey
f. Protein shakes ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------b. Fruits and
vegetables
d. Whole grains
According to the American Cancer Society, "studies suggest that
fiber in the diet, especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal
cancer risk."
The nurse is caring for a client with glaucoma. The nurse expects which
aspect to be included in the plan of care?
a. Encourage the client to anticipate the return of vision once treatment has
begun.
b. Explain that the cloudy lens can be removed with surgery, usually as an
outpatient.
c. Encourage the client to place prescribed eye drops directly over the pupil
of the eye.
d. Explain to the client that eye drop use will be necessary for the rest of
the client's life. ------CORRECT ANSWER---------------d. Explain to the client
that eye drop use will be necessary for the rest of the client's life.
Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure, which can eventually
cause blindness if untreated. Eye drop instillation will be necessary
for the rest of the client's life. Even with early treatment, vision loss
