BSN 246 HESI Review Questions and
Answers Graded A+
A client with Crohn's disease is at risk for hypocalcemia. The normal serum calcium
level is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.75 mmol/L). A serum calcium level lower than 9
mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L) indicates hypocalcemia. Electrocardiographic changes that occur
in a client with hypocalcemia include a prolonged QT interval and prolonged ST
segment. A shortened ST segment and a widened T wave occur with hypercalcemia.
ST depression and prominent U waves occur with hypokalemia.
A client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is
being assessed by the nurse. Which assessment findings would be consistent with
acute pancreatitis? Select all that apply.
1. Diarrhea
2. Black, tarry stools
3. Hyperactive bowel sounds
4. Gray-blue color at the flank
5. Abdominal guarding and tenderness
6. Left upper quadrant pain with radiation to the back - ANSWER-4. Gray-blue color at
the flank
5. Abdominal guarding and tenderness
6. Left upper quadrant pain with radiation to the back
A client diagnosed with conductive hearing loss asks the nurse to explain the cause of
the hearing problem. The nurse plans to explain to the client that this condition is
caused by which problem?
1. A defect in the cochlea
2. A defect in cranial nerve VIII
3. A physical obstruction to the transmission of sound waves
4. A defect in the sensory fibers that lead to the cerebral cortex - ANSWER-3. A
physical obstruction to the transmission of sound waves
A conductive hearing loss occurs as a result of a physical obstruction to the
transmission of sound waves. A sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of a
pathological process in the inner ear, a defect in cranial nerve VIII, or a defect of the
sensory fibers that lead to the cerebral cortex.
A client has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The nurse monitors for which signs
and symptoms indicating a complication of this disorder? Select all that apply.
1. Fever
2. Nausea
3. Lethargy
4. Tremors
5. Confusion
, 6. Bradycardia - ANSWER-1. Fever
2. Nausea
4. Tremors
5. Confusion
A client has developed hepatitis A after eating contaminated oysters. The nurse
assesses the client for which expected assessment finding?
1. Malaise
2. Dark stools
3. Weight gain
4. Left upper quadrant discomfort - ANSWER-1. Malaise (discomfort)
A client is diagnosed with viral hepatitis, complaining of "no appetite" and "losing my
taste for food." What instruction should the nurse give the client to provide adequate
nutrition?
1. Select foods high in fat.
2. Increase intake of fluids, including juices.
3. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
4. Eat less often, preferably only 3 large meals daily. - ANSWER-2. Increase intake of
fluids, including juices.
A client who is found unresponsive has arterial blood gases drawn and the results
indicate the following: pH is 7.12, Paco2 is 90 mm Hg (90 mm Hg), and is 22 mEq/L (22
mmol/L). The nurse interprets the results as indicating which condition?
1. Metabolic acidosis with compensation
2. Respiratory acidosis with compensation
3. Metabolic acidosis without compensation
4. Respiratory acidosis without compensation - ANSWER-4. Respiratory acidosis
without compensation
The acid-base disturbance is respiratory acidosis without compensation. The normal pH
is 7.35 to 7.45. The normal Paco2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). In respiratory
acidosis the pH is decreased and the Pco2 is elevated. The normal bicarbonate ) level
is 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L). Because the bicarbonate is still within normal
limits, the kidneys have not had time to adjust for this acid-base disturbance. In addition,
the pH is not within normal limits. Therefore, the condition is without compensation. The
remaining options are incorrect interpretations.
A client with a 3-day history of nausea and vomiting presents to the emergency
department. The client is hypoventilating and has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per
minute. The electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor displays tachycardia, with a heart rate of
120 beats per minute. Arterial blood gases are drawn and the nurse reviews the results,
expecting to note which finding?
1. A decreased pH and an increased Paco2
2. An increased pH and a decreased Paco2
3. A decreased pH and a decreased HCO3 -
Answers Graded A+
A client with Crohn's disease is at risk for hypocalcemia. The normal serum calcium
level is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.75 mmol/L). A serum calcium level lower than 9
mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L) indicates hypocalcemia. Electrocardiographic changes that occur
in a client with hypocalcemia include a prolonged QT interval and prolonged ST
segment. A shortened ST segment and a widened T wave occur with hypercalcemia.
ST depression and prominent U waves occur with hypokalemia.
A client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is
being assessed by the nurse. Which assessment findings would be consistent with
acute pancreatitis? Select all that apply.
1. Diarrhea
2. Black, tarry stools
3. Hyperactive bowel sounds
4. Gray-blue color at the flank
5. Abdominal guarding and tenderness
6. Left upper quadrant pain with radiation to the back - ANSWER-4. Gray-blue color at
the flank
5. Abdominal guarding and tenderness
6. Left upper quadrant pain with radiation to the back
A client diagnosed with conductive hearing loss asks the nurse to explain the cause of
the hearing problem. The nurse plans to explain to the client that this condition is
caused by which problem?
1. A defect in the cochlea
2. A defect in cranial nerve VIII
3. A physical obstruction to the transmission of sound waves
4. A defect in the sensory fibers that lead to the cerebral cortex - ANSWER-3. A
physical obstruction to the transmission of sound waves
A conductive hearing loss occurs as a result of a physical obstruction to the
transmission of sound waves. A sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of a
pathological process in the inner ear, a defect in cranial nerve VIII, or a defect of the
sensory fibers that lead to the cerebral cortex.
A client has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The nurse monitors for which signs
and symptoms indicating a complication of this disorder? Select all that apply.
1. Fever
2. Nausea
3. Lethargy
4. Tremors
5. Confusion
, 6. Bradycardia - ANSWER-1. Fever
2. Nausea
4. Tremors
5. Confusion
A client has developed hepatitis A after eating contaminated oysters. The nurse
assesses the client for which expected assessment finding?
1. Malaise
2. Dark stools
3. Weight gain
4. Left upper quadrant discomfort - ANSWER-1. Malaise (discomfort)
A client is diagnosed with viral hepatitis, complaining of "no appetite" and "losing my
taste for food." What instruction should the nurse give the client to provide adequate
nutrition?
1. Select foods high in fat.
2. Increase intake of fluids, including juices.
3. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
4. Eat less often, preferably only 3 large meals daily. - ANSWER-2. Increase intake of
fluids, including juices.
A client who is found unresponsive has arterial blood gases drawn and the results
indicate the following: pH is 7.12, Paco2 is 90 mm Hg (90 mm Hg), and is 22 mEq/L (22
mmol/L). The nurse interprets the results as indicating which condition?
1. Metabolic acidosis with compensation
2. Respiratory acidosis with compensation
3. Metabolic acidosis without compensation
4. Respiratory acidosis without compensation - ANSWER-4. Respiratory acidosis
without compensation
The acid-base disturbance is respiratory acidosis without compensation. The normal pH
is 7.35 to 7.45. The normal Paco2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg). In respiratory
acidosis the pH is decreased and the Pco2 is elevated. The normal bicarbonate ) level
is 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L). Because the bicarbonate is still within normal
limits, the kidneys have not had time to adjust for this acid-base disturbance. In addition,
the pH is not within normal limits. Therefore, the condition is without compensation. The
remaining options are incorrect interpretations.
A client with a 3-day history of nausea and vomiting presents to the emergency
department. The client is hypoventilating and has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per
minute. The electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor displays tachycardia, with a heart rate of
120 beats per minute. Arterial blood gases are drawn and the nurse reviews the results,
expecting to note which finding?
1. A decreased pH and an increased Paco2
2. An increased pH and a decreased Paco2
3. A decreased pH and a decreased HCO3 -
