HESI BSN 225 DETAILED STUDY GUIDE
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
EXAM 2026 GUARANTEE A+
A client with chronic renal disease is admitted to the hospital for evaluation prior to a
surgical procedure. Which laboratory test indicates the client's protein status for the
longest length of time?
a. Transferrin
b. Prealbumin
c. Serum albumin
d. Urine urea nitrogen - Correct Ans-c. Serum albumin
Rationale: Serum albumin has a long half-life and is the best long-term indicator of the
body's entry into a catabolic state following protein depletion from malnutrition or stress
of chronic illness (C).
The nurse is digitally removing a fecal impaction for a client. The nurse should stop the
procedure and take corrective action if which client reaction is noted?
a. Temperature increases from 98.8 to 99.0 F.
b. Pulse rate decreases from 78 to 52 beats/min.
c. Respiratory rate increases from 16 to 24 breaths/min.
d. Blood pressure increases from 110/84 to 118/88 mm/Hg. - Correct Ans-b. Pulse rate
decreases from 78 to 52 beats/min.
Rationale: Parasympathetic reaction can occur as a result of digital stimulation of the
anal sphincter, which should be stopped if the client experiences a vagal response,
such as bradycardia (B).
Which statement is an example of a correctly written nursing diagnosis statement?
a. Altered tissue perfusion related to congestive heart failure.
b. Altered urinary elimination related to urinary tract infection.
c. Risk for impaired tissue integrity related to client's refusal to turn.
d. Ineffective coping related to response to positive biopsy test results. - Correct Ans-d.
Ineffective coping related to response to positive biopsy test results.
Rationale: The first part of the nursing diagnosis statement is the "diagnostic label" and
is followed by "related to" the cause, which should direct the nurse to the appropriate
interventions.
The daughter of an older woman who became depressed following the death of her
husband asks, "My mother was always well-adjusted until my father died. Will she tend
to be sick from now on?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
a. "She is almost sure to be less able to adapt than before."
b. "It's highly likely that she will recover and return to her pre-illness state."
c. "If you can interest her in something besides religion, it will help her stay well."
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d. "Cultural strains contribute to each woman's tendencies for recurrences of
depression." - Correct Ans-b. "It's highly likely that she will recover and return to her pre-
illness state."
Rationale:
Analysis of behavior patterns using Erikson's framework can identify age-appropriate or
arrested development of normal interpersonal skills. Erikson describes the successful
resolution of a developmental crisis in the later years (older than 65-years) to include
the achievement of a sense of integrity and fulfillment, wisdom, and a willingness to face
one's own mortality and accept the death of others (B).
A client is demonstrating a positive Chvostek's sign. What action should the nurse take?
a. Observe the client's pupil size and response to light.
b. Ask the client about numbness or tingling in the hands.
c. Assess the client's serum potassium level.
d. Restrict dietary intake of calcium-rich foods. - Correct Ans-b. Ask the client about
numbness or tingling in the hands.
Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign is an indication of hypocalcemia, so the client
should be assessed for the subjective symptoms of hypocalcemia, such as numbness
or tingling of the hands (B) or feet.
A male client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops cryptococcal
meningitis and tells the nurse he does not want to be resuscitated if his breathing stops.
What action should the nurse implement?
a. Document the client's request in the medical record.
b. Ask the client if this decision has been discussed with his healthcare provider.
c. Inform the client that a written, notarized advance directive, is required to withhold
resuscitation efforts.
d. Advise the client to designate a person to make healthcare decisions when the client
is unable to do so. - Correct Ans-b. Ask the client if this decision has been discussed
with his healthcare provider.
Rationale:
Advance directives are written statements of a person's wishes regarding medical care,
and verbal directives may be given to a healthcare provider with specific instructions in
the presence of two witnesses. To obtain this prescription, the client should discuss his
choice with the healthcare provider (B).
An older female client with rheumatoid arthritis is complaining of severe joint pain that is
caused by the weight of the linen on her legs. What action should the nurse implement
first?
a. Apply flannel pajamas to provide warmth.
b. Administer a PRN dose of ibuprofen.
c. Perform range of motion exercises in a warm tub.
d. Drape the sheets over the footboard of the bed. - Correct Ans-d. Drape the sheets
over the footboard of the bed.
Rationale: The nurse should first provide an immediate comfort measure to address the
client's complaint about the linens and drape the linens over the footboard of the bed
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