ESTUDYR
HESI CAT EXAM 2 (HAITIAN) EXAM COMPLETE EXAM
QUESTIONS ANDVERIFIED ANSWERS |RECENTLY
TESTING REAL EXAM QUESTIONS
1. A client with a hemothorax has a chest tube in the fourth intercostal space connected to
suction at 20 cm H2O pressure. Four hours after insertion, which client outcome should the
nurse consider to be within normal limits?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Drainage of 500 mL of bright red blood
C. Fluctuation with respiration in the water-seal chamber
D. Absence of tidaling in the water-seal chamber
Rationale: Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber is a normal finding. It
indicates that the system is intact and responding to the changes in intrapleural pressure
during inhalation and exhalation. Continuous bubbling would indicate a leak, and a lack
of tidaling could indicate an obstruction or that the lung has re-expanded.
2. A client has started long-term maintenance therapy with a cardiotonic medication (e.g.,
Digoxin) that has a narrow therapeutic index. Teaching the client the signs/symptoms of
which adverse effect is most important?
A. Hypertension
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Toxicity
D. Weight gain
Rationale: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a very small window
between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose. Clients must be taught to recognize early
signs of toxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances like yellow halos) to
prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
3. In caring for a client who is receiving peritoneal dialysis, the nurse should be alert for
which serious complication?
A. Diarrhea and flatulence
B. Increased urinary output
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity
Rationale: These symptoms are classic signs of peritonitis, the most common and serious
complication of peritoneal dialysis. Rigidity (a "board-like" abdomen) suggests an
inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity that requires immediate medical attention.
4. A high fluid intake is prescribed for a client with urolithiasis (kidney stones). What is the
chief purpose for this intervention?
, ESTUDYR
A. To dilute the urine to prevent infection
B. To reduce the acidity of the urine
C. To increase the hydrostatic pressure behind the stone to assist in its downward
passage
D. To prevent the formation of new stones only
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake increases the volume and pressure of the urine. This
"hydrostatic pressure" acts as a mechanical force to help push the stone through the ureter
and out of the body.
5. Normal saline 0.9% is prescribed for a client with fluid volume deficit at 100 ml/hr. The
nurse observes that the client's urine is dark amber. What action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the normal saline at the prescribed rate of 100 ml/hr
B. Increase the rate to 200 ml/hr to flush the kidneys
C. Withhold the infusion and notify the provider
D. Encourage the client to drink 2 liters of water instead
Rationale: Dark amber urine is a sign of dehydration (concentration), which confirms the
diagnosis of fluid volume deficit. The nurse should proceed with the prescribed treatment
to rehydrate the client.
6. Which explanation of autonomic cardiac regulation mediated by sympathetic
innervations is correct?
A. Decreased Na+ influx lowers the heart rate
B. Increased K+ efflux slows the heart rate
C. Increased Ca+ influx with sympathetic stimulation raises the heart rate
D. Decreased Ca+ influx increases the heart rate
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine, which increases the
permeability of cardiac muscle cells to Calcium (Ca+). This influx increases both the rate
of firing (heart rate) and the force of contraction (inotropy).
7. An adult client has a six-month history of recurring somatic pain. During the admission
interview, it is most important for the nurse to question the client about which problem?
A. Dietary habits
B. Exercise routine
C. Feelings of depression
D. Sleep patterns
Rationale: Chronic pain is highly correlated with depression. In patients with somatic
symptoms that last for months, it is critical to assess mental health, as psychological
distress often manifests as physical pain.
8. A pregnant client refuses to remove a cultural undergarment during admission. What
should the charge nurse do first?
A. Determine if continued wearing of the garment will compromise care
HESI CAT EXAM 2 (HAITIAN) EXAM COMPLETE EXAM
QUESTIONS ANDVERIFIED ANSWERS |RECENTLY
TESTING REAL EXAM QUESTIONS
1. A client with a hemothorax has a chest tube in the fourth intercostal space connected to
suction at 20 cm H2O pressure. Four hours after insertion, which client outcome should the
nurse consider to be within normal limits?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
B. Drainage of 500 mL of bright red blood
C. Fluctuation with respiration in the water-seal chamber
D. Absence of tidaling in the water-seal chamber
Rationale: Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber is a normal finding. It
indicates that the system is intact and responding to the changes in intrapleural pressure
during inhalation and exhalation. Continuous bubbling would indicate a leak, and a lack
of tidaling could indicate an obstruction or that the lung has re-expanded.
2. A client has started long-term maintenance therapy with a cardiotonic medication (e.g.,
Digoxin) that has a narrow therapeutic index. Teaching the client the signs/symptoms of
which adverse effect is most important?
A. Hypertension
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Toxicity
D. Weight gain
Rationale: Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a very small window
between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose. Clients must be taught to recognize early
signs of toxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances like yellow halos) to
prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.
3. In caring for a client who is receiving peritoneal dialysis, the nurse should be alert for
which serious complication?
A. Diarrhea and flatulence
B. Increased urinary output
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity
Rationale: These symptoms are classic signs of peritonitis, the most common and serious
complication of peritoneal dialysis. Rigidity (a "board-like" abdomen) suggests an
inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity that requires immediate medical attention.
4. A high fluid intake is prescribed for a client with urolithiasis (kidney stones). What is the
chief purpose for this intervention?
, ESTUDYR
A. To dilute the urine to prevent infection
B. To reduce the acidity of the urine
C. To increase the hydrostatic pressure behind the stone to assist in its downward
passage
D. To prevent the formation of new stones only
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake increases the volume and pressure of the urine. This
"hydrostatic pressure" acts as a mechanical force to help push the stone through the ureter
and out of the body.
5. Normal saline 0.9% is prescribed for a client with fluid volume deficit at 100 ml/hr. The
nurse observes that the client's urine is dark amber. What action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the normal saline at the prescribed rate of 100 ml/hr
B. Increase the rate to 200 ml/hr to flush the kidneys
C. Withhold the infusion and notify the provider
D. Encourage the client to drink 2 liters of water instead
Rationale: Dark amber urine is a sign of dehydration (concentration), which confirms the
diagnosis of fluid volume deficit. The nurse should proceed with the prescribed treatment
to rehydrate the client.
6. Which explanation of autonomic cardiac regulation mediated by sympathetic
innervations is correct?
A. Decreased Na+ influx lowers the heart rate
B. Increased K+ efflux slows the heart rate
C. Increased Ca+ influx with sympathetic stimulation raises the heart rate
D. Decreased Ca+ influx increases the heart rate
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine, which increases the
permeability of cardiac muscle cells to Calcium (Ca+). This influx increases both the rate
of firing (heart rate) and the force of contraction (inotropy).
7. An adult client has a six-month history of recurring somatic pain. During the admission
interview, it is most important for the nurse to question the client about which problem?
A. Dietary habits
B. Exercise routine
C. Feelings of depression
D. Sleep patterns
Rationale: Chronic pain is highly correlated with depression. In patients with somatic
symptoms that last for months, it is critical to assess mental health, as psychological
distress often manifests as physical pain.
8. A pregnant client refuses to remove a cultural undergarment during admission. What
should the charge nurse do first?
A. Determine if continued wearing of the garment will compromise care
