HESI RN EXIT EXAM REVIEW
TERMINOLOGY & DEFINITIONS
STUDY GUIDE
SECTION 1: GASTROINTESTINAL TERMINOLOGY
TERM 1
What is a duodenal ulcer?
DEFINITION
A sore on the duodenum lining
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers here are often caused by H. pylori or
NSAIDs. Signs include epigastric pain relieved by eating.
TERM 2
What is ascites?
DEFINITION
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Common in liver failure due to decreased albumin production, portal hypertension, and increased
aldosterone. Causes abdominal distention.
TERM 3
What causes ascites pathophysiology?
DEFINITION
Fluid shifts due to low serum protein levels
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Decreased albumin → decreased oncotic pressure → fluid shifts from intravascular to interstitial
space (third-spacing).
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,TERM 4
What is the effect of increased portal circulation pressure?
DEFINITION
Causes fluid accumulation in abdomen
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Portal hypertension from liver cirrhosis causes backup of blood flow, forcing fluid into peritoneal
cavity.
TERM 5
What is the effect of aldosterone in liver failure?
DEFINITION
Increases sodium and water retention
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Failing liver cannot inactivate aldosterone → sodium/water retention → worsening ascites and
edema.
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, SECTION 2: CARDIOVASCULAR TERMINOLOGY
TERM 6
What is hypertension?
DEFINITION
High blood pressure, risk for stroke
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Sustained BP >130/80. Major risk factor for stroke, MI, kidney disease, and heart failure. Often
asymptomatic ('silent killer').
TERM 7
What is a stroke?
DEFINITION
Brain damage due to interrupted blood supply
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Also called CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Can be ischemic (clot) or hemorrhagic (bleed).
Signs: facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty.
TERM 8
What are S1 and S2 heart sounds?
DEFINITION
Normal heart sounds during cardiac cycle
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
S1 = 'lub' (AV valves close), S2 = 'dub' (semilunar valves close). Best heard with diaphragm of
stethoscope.
TERM 9
What is an S3 heart sound?
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TERMINOLOGY & DEFINITIONS
STUDY GUIDE
SECTION 1: GASTROINTESTINAL TERMINOLOGY
TERM 1
What is a duodenal ulcer?
DEFINITION
A sore on the duodenum lining
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers here are often caused by H. pylori or
NSAIDs. Signs include epigastric pain relieved by eating.
TERM 2
What is ascites?
DEFINITION
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Common in liver failure due to decreased albumin production, portal hypertension, and increased
aldosterone. Causes abdominal distention.
TERM 3
What causes ascites pathophysiology?
DEFINITION
Fluid shifts due to low serum protein levels
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Decreased albumin → decreased oncotic pressure → fluid shifts from intravascular to interstitial
space (third-spacing).
Page 1 of 24
,TERM 4
What is the effect of increased portal circulation pressure?
DEFINITION
Causes fluid accumulation in abdomen
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Portal hypertension from liver cirrhosis causes backup of blood flow, forcing fluid into peritoneal
cavity.
TERM 5
What is the effect of aldosterone in liver failure?
DEFINITION
Increases sodium and water retention
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Failing liver cannot inactivate aldosterone → sodium/water retention → worsening ascites and
edema.
Page 2 of 24
, SECTION 2: CARDIOVASCULAR TERMINOLOGY
TERM 6
What is hypertension?
DEFINITION
High blood pressure, risk for stroke
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Sustained BP >130/80. Major risk factor for stroke, MI, kidney disease, and heart failure. Often
asymptomatic ('silent killer').
TERM 7
What is a stroke?
DEFINITION
Brain damage due to interrupted blood supply
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Also called CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Can be ischemic (clot) or hemorrhagic (bleed).
Signs: facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty.
TERM 8
What are S1 and S2 heart sounds?
DEFINITION
Normal heart sounds during cardiac cycle
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
S1 = 'lub' (AV valves close), S2 = 'dub' (semilunar valves close). Best heard with diaphragm of
stethoscope.
TERM 9
What is an S3 heart sound?
Page 3 of 24
